Sian aims to conquer mountain challenge (From South Wales Guardian)

Sian aims to conquer mountain challenge

11:00am Sunday 7th October 2012 in News

A TOWY Valley farmer’s daughter is undertaking a charity climb she hopes will take her to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain.

Sian Davies, from Crugybar, is taking part in the Kilimanjaro Challenge, a gruelling attempt to scale the world’s tallest free-standing mountain to raise money for African farmers so they can produce more food in a harsh climate.

The 33-year-old, a European policy adviser for the NFU in Brussels, is part of a team of seven who started their trek last week. They hope to reach the summit this Friday.

Before setting out, Sian, who recently completed a 419km charity bike ride across Sri Lanka, said reaching the top of Kilimanjaro would be the toughest challenge she had done to date.

“I’m thrilled to be supporting Farm Africa which does an amazing job in helping farmers grow more food in really challenging conditions,”

she said.

Kilimanjaro’s summit stands at 5,895 metres above sea level and getting to the top is the equivalent of climbing London’s BT Tower 33 times.

Sian has therefore put herself through a rigorous training schedule which involves running, bike rides, rockclimbing and regular training with the women’s rugby club in Brussels.

She also pledged to keep her “naturally competitive instincts” in check by pacing herself on the way up Kilimanjaro, but was looking forward to a bit of “healthy competition” with the boys in the team.

● To donate to Sian’s fundraising efforts visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SianDavies79