Kilimanjaro climbing guide Frankie Luoga supports WKU team member Theo Mitchell after a grueling climb towards Uhuru Peak.

Imagine this.

It's 7:40AM on a very brisk Saturday morning. Your legs feel like they're going to fall off. Your nose has turned into a leaky faucet. You can't put together a sensible complete sentence and each gasp for air feels like your last. Fortunately, one thing brings you a great sense of solace and achievement: the congratulatory sign that indicates that you successfully reached Uhuru Peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest point (5,895m) in Africa.

On February 18th, I  safely reached the summit and conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro for WhizzKids United. In a span of five days, I reached the famed "roof of Africa" by traveling, hiking and climbing through five uniquely different environments. These environments included a rain forest (very similar to a scene from LOST), a heathland, a moorland, an alpine desert and an ice-capped mountaintop. With the help of dedicated expert guides and great friends made along this journey, this climb will definitely be an experience remembered for a lifetime.

In addition to ascending to the top, the fundraising component of this project has also achieved the same great results. With the combination of online and offline donations, the WhizzKids United Health Academy will be receiving over a total of US$1400 to further support their feeding programme for the orphans and vulnerable children of the Edendale community. Furthermore, the Health Academy will also receive additional donated soccer items courtesy of our friends at Earthmother Organic. 100% of all funds and gifts will be delivered to the Health Academy for the children under the aforementioned programme.

Now imagine this.

It's 12:21PM on a warm Monday afternoon. You're sitting in a little garden patio. You watch hotel guests from all over the world walk around and prepare for their upcoming climb. Your chapped lips are recovering from the weekend's strong mountain winds. Your t-shirt feels a little loose because you probably lost nearly three kilograms of body weight. But the smile on your face cannot be erased.

I am graciously thankful for each and every person who helped me along the way in this effort. Whether you donated, spread the word or encouraged me personally, please know that I humbly appreciate your warm kindness. The success of "Conquering Kilimanjaro for WhizzKids United" is a tribute to your heartfelt generosity. So, on behalf of my team in Durban and the Health Academy, thank you for believing in me, this project and our work. Thank you for helping me to conquer Kilimanjaro!