This relatively small expedition consisted of just two members, both from Northern Ireland Wing ATC. Plt Off Aaron Fulton VR(T) of 2349 Ballymena and CWO William Simpson of 833 Antrim. This was the first attempt to scale a mountain of such scale and notoriety in the history of the Wing and is possibly one of only a few attempts Corps-wide organised and conducted by two cadets. The aims of the expedition were, firstly, to challenge and develop both of us physically, mentally and advance our characters and leadership abilities, and, secondly, heighten awareness of the ATC in Northern Ireland. I believe that these objectives have not only been met but also surpassed.

Travelling to Tanzania was an experience in itself. After 5 plane journeys, 3 days travelling, 4 countries and a very interesting bus journey, we arrived slightly the worse for wear. The expedition took the Rongai route, which is arguably the best due to low number using it and the fantastic diversity of vegetation and wildlife on the ascent. Spirits were high and the ascent was progressing comfortably until the end of day 2. At this point the altitude began to take a very obvious affect on both of us, more so CWO Simpson. After a most uncomfortable night and a considerably amount of soul searching, we continued with the ascent. Day 3 of the expedition was a marathon slog. After awakening at 0700, we walked for the entire day until we reached the Kibo Hut and our last camp. At some 4200m, it is worth noting that at this point you are higher than Everest base camp, which is an achievement in itself. From here you eat and prepare yourself for the summit attempt at 2345. There is time in the program for sleep after an evening meal, but, due to the nerves and the severe headache caused by the altitude, this proved an almost impossible task resulting in no sleep until a day and a half later after you have returned from the summit. It is at this point that CWO Simpson made the brave and wise decision not to make an attempt for the summit. Clearly in pain and distraught at the prospect of failure it was a very difficult decision to make, but ultimately the correct one. The severity of altitude sickness is something words cannot really do justice to, but suffice to say that our characters were being admirably built! At 0630, the following morning Plt Off Fulton summited Africa’s highest peak, and even had time to hold the Air Cadet ensign back-to-front..