Belfast-based trainee solicitor Conor Cleverley has raised over £9,000 on behalf of Down's Syndrome Association through a year-long fundraising campaign he started in September 2022.
Conor’s fundraising efforts culminated in an eight-day hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, which he completed in July.
The 23-year-old trekked over 45 miles up the world’s highest free-standing mountain before reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak, which sits at a height of 5,895 meters.
“The first day was pretty easy, as we were walking through the jungle and there was a clear track which wasn’t any harder than what you’d have here at home.
“We were even able to spot some colobus monkeys which was great, until around 4am when we heard them screeching and were told that it was their mating call" said Conor.
Following the scenic Lemosho route on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, Conor and his group hiked for up to 12 hours per day.
“On a standard day you’d wake up around 5am and a porter would come to your tent and bring you a coffee or a cup of tea and a bowl of hot water and then you’d have an hour to get yourself awake, another hour for breakfast and then you were walking until it was dark again”, he explained.
After the first day, the group had ascended above the cloud cover, leaving them exposed to the elements.
“Day one was the only time where we had any protection from the sun. But after that, you’re walking with thick layers on and your backpack so it’s not fun. Then at night it would drop to around minus 15C.”
However, despite the freezing temperatures Conor appeared to enjoy his nights on the mountain,
“I slept like a baby. I’m not sure if it was being away from the internet and social media but it was incredibly peaceful.
“Even if you got up to go the toilet you would get to see the most amazing stars like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
“I was in complete awe, apart from the night when the toilet tanks blew over and broke that was less picturesque" Conor recalled.
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In addition to the harsh changes in temperature, the group also had to constantly battle altitude sickness before reaching the summit.
“I wasn’t too badly affected by the altitude until summit night, which was the hardest mental and physical experience of my life.
“I was starting to feel the onset of high-altitude cerebral edema, which I can only describe as being similar to being drunk because you’re slurring your words and can’t really stand up.”
However, the majestic view that transpired made the days of trekking worth it.
“At around 6am on day seven we got to the rim of the volcano, but it was still pitch black, our group leader said it was the fastest she had ever got up.
“Then suddenly the sun came up and you could see a sheet of clouds below you that looked like they were going up in flames as the sun was rising it was breathtaking.” Conor described.
From there it took the team another 45 minutes to hike up the final 100m vertical incline to reach the summit.
“From seeing people’s photos you’d think they’re up there all day and having the craic but you’re so ill from the high altitude by that point that you’re literally there for two minutes before you descend.
“It was an incredibly satisfying feeling to finally get there after six days of climbing, but also doing it for charity as well makes you feel a great sense of pride because you’ve actually done what you promised people you would do” says Conor.
By the time he completed the climb, he had raised £9,500 for Down's Syndrome Association.
“It completely surpassed any expectations I had and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated to the campaign and supported me over the last year.”
It is evident that Conor now has a taste for future mountaineering adventures.
“I’m currently looking into going to Chile to do some more mountain climbing in 2025 and then, hopefully, Everest base camp before I’m 30.”
