RETIRED social worker Ray Johnstone is putting on his walking boots to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro for a local charity.
Dad-of-two Ray, 45, of Douglas, has wanted to climb Kilimanjaro for a number of years but never thought that he would have the time to do it.
He retired from his job as a social worker last year due to ill health, but is now looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Ray suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his past experiences of being in the army. He is hoping to raise awareness of his condition by reaching the summit.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma.
He said: ‘On a personal level I would like to raise the awareness of mental health issues, and hopefully demonstrate that despite the presence of mental health distress, sufferers don’t need to hide away or be afraid to speak about their illness.
‘For me it will be about reminding myself that I do have skills that I learnt in the army, that can be put to good use, rather than focusing on the negative aspect of army life.’
Ray is looking forward to the challenge of climbing 5,895-metre summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and has had a lot of support from family and friends.
He said: ‘I am looking forward to the challenge and apart from spending time in a different country, the thing I am most looking forward to would be a successful climb to the summit to witness and experience the beauty of the sun rising over Africa, whilst being at the highest point of Africa.
Ray will be joining a group of fellow trekkers from the UK. He has a training programme for the next four to five months, which he hopes will get him to the point where, physically, he will be up for the challenge.
He stated that he will be concentrating on walking some miles around the island, with a mixture of swimming, gym work and playing football as often as he can.
Ray is funding the trip himself and has set himself a target of raising £5,000 for local charity the Manx Radio Dream Catcher Appeal.
He said: ‘They are a local charity that helps individuals and groups in the Isle of Man. Therefore all the money raised will remain on the island.’
Ray hopes his nine years in the army will help him take on the challenge. He said: ‘I have some experience of hill walking around the Munros in Scotland. Also in the past I served for nine years in the army where I have gained a vast experience of surviving in hostile environments for weeks at a time. I’m sure this will stand me in good stead for the challenge.’
The only concern Ray has regarding the challenge ahead is that he might suffer from altitude sickness and won’t be able to reach the summit.
‘It can be a life-threatening illness, so I would place my wellbeing before my ambitions to reach the top.’
If you would like to help Ray reach his target of £5,000 you can do so by contacting him on {mailto:ray.j@manx.net|ray.j(at)manx.net}
Alternatively, you can make a donation at any branch of the IoM Bank.
