SCALING THE HEIGHTS
A GOREY WOMAN RECENTLY FULFILLED A LONG-HELD AMBITION TO CLIMB AFRICA’S KILIMANJARO, WHILE AT THE SAME TOME FUNDRAISING FOR HER FAVOURITE CHARITY
I DID IT!! IMADE IT TO THE ROOF OF AFRICA. THE HARDEST, MOST GRUELLING EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE
EITHNE HOBBS was part of a group that scaled Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level, to raise money for Diabetes Ireland.
She raised in excess of €6,000, while the group effort realised over €100,000.
Eithne’s motivation was the fact that she has lived with type 1 Diabetes since she developed the condition 13 years ago. She wanted to show people with the illness that there are no limitations to any activity you might like to pursue, so long as you adhere to your medication programme.
‘I love to travel. I lived in Australia for a couple of years and have returned on a number of occasions. I have also been to America, Asia and a lot of countries in Europe over the years,’ said Eithne, who lives in Riverchapel, ‘ but I hadn’t yet targeted Africa!
‘I enjoy walking and hiking and often thought about what would be a really good challenge having previously done a stint on the Camino. The highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro, came to mind. About a year ago, I realised I could join a team on a charity climb of the mountain for Diatbetes Ireland, an organisation that has given me great support,’ she added.
Eithne outlined that diabetes is a long term chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucose is the fuel that powers the brain and is produced when we eat carbohydrates. To help us absorb glucose, the pancreas makes insulin. Diabetes affects the production of insulin, too little or none at all. There are 2 types of diabetes: * Type 1 – the body produces no insulin
* Type 2 - the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. This type accounts for 90% of those with diabetes. Among the syptoms before diagnosis of diabetes are increased urine output, excessive thirst, weight loss, hunger, fatigue, skin problems, slow healing wounds, yeast infections, and tingling or numbness in the feet or toes.
Some of the risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include being
overweight or obeseobese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and low levels of the ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) and elevated levels oftriglycerides in the blood.
Eithne said despite media information campaigns, many people still do not fully understand what diabetes is, in particular Type 1.
‘Generally, there is an impression out there that ONLY ‘overweight or obese’ people get diabetes. TV ads focus on this side of things,’ she said.
Eithne is evidence that this is far from true especially with Type 1. At 5ft 7ins, she was always slim and very active (and still is). However, there is a history of diabetes in both of her parents’ families and an older brother developed Type 2 in his mid-40s.
‘I take a minimum of six insulin injections every day, it’s something you get used to very fast – you’ve no choice and it’s better than the alternative. You have to calculate the appropriate dosage of insulin due to variables in your blood sugar levels along with the amount of carbohydrate you are planning to eat,’ she said. ‘It can at times be like a mathematical algorithm as you also need to consider weather, exercise, stress and other external influencing factors.
‘In many ways, taking on the Kilimanjaro challenge was my way of telling people there’s no obstacle to what you can do as a person with Type 1. Once I spread the word that it was to raise funds for Diabetes Ireland, I got an incredible amount of sponsorship pledges. My family, friends and work colleagues at Servier in Arklow really got behind me.
‘My number one supporter was my teenage daughter, Caoimhe, who kept telling me how proud she was of what I was doing, and probably more than anybody fully understands the daily challenges that comes with living with Type 1,’ Eithne said.
One of the big events was a well-attended benefit night at 64 in Gorey. With suppport from management and sponsors, it surpassed financial expectations. The supporters were also shown a video to explain diabetes and highlight how top class athletes coped with the condition.
Of course, Eithne had to prepare physically. ‘For six months ahead of the climb, I had to improve my stamina. Long walks along the beaches and trails from Courtown to Ballymoney, and up to the top of Tara Hill were routine. I stepped things up with hikes and climbs in places like Mount Leinster and the Wicklow Mountains at weekends,’she said.
Along the way, Eithne had several companions to help her shorten the miles, among them Bobby Kinsella, PJ and members of the Hiking in Wicklow group.
Eithne said being part of the climb team was a great experience.
‘ Tanzania is beautiful and to catch first sight of Mount Kilimanjaro is wonderful. The seven-day hike brought new vistas but nothing could prepare us for the summit. It was extraordinary. In fact, I felt privilaged to have such a magnificant view,’ she said.
“I did it…I made it to the roof of Africa!! The hardest most gruelling challenge of my life but what an experience” was the message I sent home to friends and family to confirm I made it to the summit.’
In the tradition of planting a flag on the top of mountains, Eithne folllowed suit. For her, what else could it be but the purple and gold of Wexford.
For more information on diabetes visit the Diabetes Ireland website