Former learner flies the Grace Trinity flag on Kilimanjaro

CALSEA Harvey (20), a Mondeor resident and 2014 matriculant of Grace Trinity, recently summited Mount Kilimanjaro. She chatted to the CHRONICLE about her experience.

Calsea was part of a team which included her boyfriend, Jay Funnell, his father, Ray, and two sisters, Kim and Sarah. “Ray is a leukaemia survivor. When he was receiving treatment and battled to breathe, he said he dreamed about climbing mountains. We have previously donated time to the Sunflower Fund and decided we wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for this worthwhile NGO,” said Calsea.

In July, last year, preparations began, along with training hikes and a healthy diet. “We’d often do five-kilometre runs and before the big day we carbo-loaded to give us more energy. We had sponsorship from the Sunflower Foundation, in the form of clothing, and our other sponsor, BBE Consulting, was also really supportive.”

On January 2, the team flew to Kenya and then on to Kilimanjaro. They spent the evening relaxing before setting off on their adventure on January 3. “The first part of the walk is through a rain forest, which was easy, but the next day was more difficult as the terrain was rocky. Huge rocks form walls which we had to climb over,” Calsea said.

On January 5, Calsea experienced her first bout of altitude sickness. “It was horrid, but I somehow managed to get over it. This was probably the most difficult day, as we reached the highest point, Lava Tower, at 4 800 metres. Ray was suffering badly from altitude sickness and we knew at this point we’d be carrying on without him. We walked for five hours the next day and then rested up at base camp in preparation for our ascent.”

At 23:00 on January 7, their final leg of the climb began and at 08:08 on January 8 the four mountaineers summited Mount Kilimanjaro.

“It was a fantastic feeling; we were totally exhilarated. I proudly planted a Grace Trinity flag on top of the mountain. It was freezing but we quickly snapped some photos before starting our long walk back. The route down was different from the one we’d taken to summit and it took us four hours to reach base camp. We rested for a while, ate and packed up our tent and equipment. It took us a further eight hours to reach the base of the mountain again,” Calsea said.

When asked what is next on her adventure calendar, she said: “I’m planning on climbing Mount Elbres, in Russia, which is one of the seven summits, in August, this year. Jay and Ray want to come along. It should be fun!”

Principal of Grace Trinity Debra Robertson says she’s thrilled Calsea achieved her dream. “This is something completely out of her comfort zone and we are exceptionally proud of her. When she was a learner here PE was certainly a lesson she didn’t enjoy,” laughed Robertson.

Calsea is studying law through Unisa and works at Manorswood Veterinary Clinic, in Sandton, four days a week. Asked about hobbies, she said: “I love hiking now and, of course, adventure.”

Also Read: 

Good luck to Kilimanjaro climbers

Amazing journey for good cause

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