Mosta Labour MP Takes On ‘Personal Challenge’: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro In Aid Of Puttinu Cares
Mosta’s very own Labour MP Alex Muscat is taking on a personal challenge he’s always had his eyes on – climbing the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
What’s even better is that Muscat will be attempting this major feat to raise funds for local charity Puttinu Cares, which helps children with cancer and their families during their most difficult times.
“In January 2023, I will be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 metres,” Muscat told Lovin Malta.
“It is a personal challenge that I have been willing to do for quite some time now and I also want to do it for a charitable cause,” he explained.
“Initially, my cousin was also interested to partake in a similar adventure, came up with the idea of the climb, and we were greatly encouraged by our mutual determination and willingness to complete a challenge that involved physical and mental training for it,” he said.
“Eventually, when I started preparing myself for the climb, I decided I should do this for a good cause and not merely for the personal test.”
Muscat will be gathering funds that will be specifically used to refurbish apartments owned by Puttinu Cares in Sutton, the limits of London, with the project alone costing around £300,000.
Walking with other MPs
“Kilimanjaro is a physically demanding and strenuous climb. The altitude factor alone makes it a more difficult journey. Training and preparation for the challenge are key and I am mentally and physically preparing for it by hiking, walking, and core training on a daily basis to increase stamina levels.”
As part of his training, Muscat has even been testing himself by going on night hikes in areas that are not as illuminated and taking backpacks with added weights to further step up the challenge.
“We walked the entire coastal area of Gozo in a single day, taking more than 12 hours to cover over 45km,” he said.
“I also take the opportunity to walk a lot whenever I am on Parliamentary work abroad. For instance, in November, I walked in a snowy park in Warsaw, Poland for over four hours in a temperature of minus four degrees. I also convinced fellow MPs who joined me on the trip to walk with me.”
He continued to explain how on Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, the night temperatures range between minus seven to minus 29 degrees. It takes around seven days of walking upward before reaching the summit.
“The actual summiting of the mountain, on the seventh day, should take around eight hours and will begin at midnight, therefore arriving at the peak by 8am.”
“Then it will take another five to six hours to climb down. This will be the most physically and mentally challenging part of the entire experience.”
“I admit that it’s a challenge that I am very eager to succeed in, but at the same time some anxiety might kick in. On the one hand, I am excited and looking forward, but I am also slightly nervous about not being able to make it. Around 40% of those who attempt to climb Kilimanjaro do not succeed in overcoming such a challenge,” he said.
Muscat will be leaving for Tanzania on 6th January, just a few days after the start of the new year.
Any form of financial help will be of great contribution to Puttinu Cares.
Anyone can donate on the following IBAN: MT55VALL22013000000040024708801
Good luck Alex!
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