A WOMAN from the Isle of Man who helped to raise £70,000 for charity by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has joined the gym which supported her in achieving her goal.
Kim Makin was part of a 14 strong team who climbed the mountain at the end of last year to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
She said: "I became involved in Breakthrough Breast Cancer some years ago after my good friend and neighbour was diagnosed.
"When I was asked to join the trek by my friend Angie Aire I was a bit hesitant at first although it was something that had crossed my mind after the celebrities did it the previous year for Comic Relief. It was when I really thought about it that I decided I would hate being left behind if I didn't go."
Body and Mind Ladies Fitness Centre in Douglas offered Kim and Angie a complimentary six month membership to ensure both ladies were fighting fit for the challenge ahead.
Owner Helen Pope said: "Kim and Angie came to us looking for a six month membership to help them prepare and get fitter in readiness for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. As it was for charity we were happy to help out.
"The ladies used the gym facilities for six months and at the start they came down to some one-on-one sessions and then we wrote them a programme each which was written to help them improve their strength and endurance."
Kim trekked for eight days before reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. She recalled: "My highlights of the trip included reaching the top and looking behind me on summit night to realise I was walking above the clouds.
"There was also a wonderful moment when the sun was shining one morning and Kilimanjaro was in the background. One of the group said a prayer and read from the bible and someone else sang a hymn. Then all the porters and guides came and joined us and sang with us. There wasn't a dry eye in the house."
She said the low points of the challenge included missing her family and when one of the party fell sick and was sent back down the mountain. Kim added: "Another low point was getting out of the tent in the middle of the night to go tot the loo. The zip was frozen because the temperature was between minus five and minus 10 degrees!"
Kim has now joined Body and Mind as a full time member. She said: "I want to maintain a reasonable level of fitness to help me with my next challenge which will hopefully be in 2012. I enjoy going to Body and Mind because it's for ladies and everyone is so friendly."
Helen concluded: "During the time with us both ladies really enjoyed themselves and after completing the climb Kim decided she wanted to become a full time member which she now is.
"We are all pleased they did so well and we are really pleased Kim was so happy here that she wanted to stay."
For more information on Body and Mind Ladies Only Fitness Centre click here.
Body and Mind are looking for someone who would be willing to give up an hour of their time a week to help organise charity events. In exchange Body and Mind would provide a free gym membership.
The charity events would benefit a number of charities including The Dream Catcher Appeal which helps individuals, groups and charities in the Isle of Man.
If you are interested please call Helen at Body and Mind on 01624 616416 or e-mail bodyandmindladiesgym@manx.net.
