A very personal journey

Even though Tony’s executive role at Perth Airport keeps him very busy, he has never been one to shy away from a challenge and has always been a fitness enthusiast and keen hiker.

Keen to do his bit and raise funds for Foodbank he knew he needed to do something big to get enough attention to raise funds that will make a difference. Aware that Perth does not have large mountain ranges, but does boast incredible walking trails throughout the hills which are perfect for training…a plan soon came together. He was going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Training for a challenge like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no small feat. It involves a lot of walking to build up the necessary endurance. Running long distances isn’t as beneficial because the activity on the mountain is different. Tony’s training routine includes an hour in the gym every morning at 5am and 2 hours on Saturdays, either on the treadmill or the stair climber. With two months to go, he’ll be increasing his stair climbing sessions too.

Having previously completed the Kokoda Track and the Inca Trail, he has some idea of what to expect. However, he is acutely aware that Mt Kilimanjaro presents a unique challenge with its altitude. Altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate, affecting both couch potatoes and supreme athletes alike. The only true preparation for this is acclimatization on the mountain and taking Diamox (a medication used to treat acute mountain sickness).

The mental challenge on summit night is also significant, with a 16-hour trekking day ahead in -15 degrees and only 50% oxygen during the final ascent. Being mentally prepared is the biggest part of the challenge.

Tony says that supporting a charity like Foodbank WA and training for Kilimanjaro are both challenging yet rewarding endeavours. They both require dedication, preparation, and a strong belief in the cause. Whether it’s ensuring that no child goes to school hungry or preparing for a physically demanding climb, the journey is filled with challenges that ultimately lead to significant rewards.

Tony is going to have to dig deep to summit the mountain, and asks that if you can, to also dig deep to support those in need.

Every dollar raised delivers 2 meals.

• $21 helps feed a child for a fortnight
• $45 helps feed a person for a month
• $90 helps feed a family for a fortnight

The link to Tony’s fundraising page can be found here - all donations of $2 or over are tax deductible.

“By supporting Foodbank WA, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, and by taking on personal challenges like Kilimanjaro, we can push our limits and achieve great things.”