Local woman successfully climbs Kilimanjaro

CLIMBING Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is one of the toughest challenges on earth.

Not only is it the highest mountain in Africa, it is also the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world at 5,895 m above sea level and about 4,900 m above its plateau base.

The mountain is actually on a 2km wide crater known locally as Kibo.

Not many people can say they climbed to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

One local lady however, can now take her place among the few.

Abbie O’Leary from Finglas, and her friend Sarah Lynch (both pictured above), from Cork successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on October 6 after a seven day climb to the summit.

The weather was treacherous and very challenging, the rain and artic conditions really required the pair to dig deep both mentally and physically.

At the summit of Kilimanjaro there is less than half the oxygen found at sea level.

This extremely high altitude only adds to the difficulty and challenge of the climb.

Abbie told her family that the dedication of the porters helped the girls achieve their goal.

She is currently in Africa volunteering at a local orphanage and primary school in Arusha, a city in Tanzania, located at the base of volcanic Mt. Meru.

Last year she volunteered and raised over €2000 to buy much needed school supplies and five children from the school were also sponsored with their educational needs.

Abbie has just completed her Masters at UCD in Gender Politics and International Relations after completing her degree at Trinity College in Political Science & Geography.

She has been working part-time at the local Fox Veterinary Clinic in Finglas Village during her studies.

Her Mam Debbie, Dad Brian and brother Ryan are looking forward to her arriving home with her certificate of such a fantastic achievement.