The second and last group of the Kilimanjaro Challenge 3 participants yesterday arrived to a warm welcome home after successfully reaching the summit of the 5,895 metre Mount Kilimanjaro, also referred to as the “roof of Africa.”

The eight participants were welcomed by the other 10 participants, who returned to Malta earlier last week, and their family and friends.

Among them was team advisor and two-time participant Dr Alec Sultana, who trained the team for this challenge.

Dr Sultana said the team has been training for the feat since April. The sessions involved trekking, endurance training and altitude acclimatisation in a controlled environment. The team went also to a trekking expedition on Mount Etna, Sicily.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, three-time participant Maria Vella Galea said the team faced very heavy rain and snowfall. “The locals told us the weather has not been that bad in 25 years,” said Ms Vella Galea. She is very satisfied at having conquered Kilimanjaro’s summit yet again, in spite of her fear of altitude sickness and the adverse weather conditions.

The Kilimanjaro Challenge is trying to raise Lm45,000 to finance artificial limbs for Amy Zahra as well as funds towards the refurbishment of a school and convent in Ethiopia.

Donations can be made via SMS on 5061-7371 to donate Lm1, 5061-8077 to donate Lm2 and 5061-8927 to donate Lm3. Donations can also be made by means of a deposit in Bank of Valletta account number 40015232535 or HSBC account number 75108050001.