Recruiting a team with Brian

What was your favourite part of being a team leader and do you have any advice to pass on to our current Team Leaders?

I think that the recruiting process was very enjoyable, the ability to offer such an exciting opportunity to someone was amazing. Even the ones that didn't end up registering, you could see that they were definitely interested and it got them thinking. Some might choose to register but postpone the climb. I don't think that it should be a stressful endeavour, we might set a target team size for ourselves, but as long as you're getting people informed you're already doing a fine job.

As a Team Leader you visited our projects in Kenya before your climb, can you tell us what that was like and how it felt to be there after your year of fundraising?

I think finally being able to properly take in the environment after just reading words on a document was enlightening. Being someone who's not a big fan of international volunteering, seeing that the local team of Dig Deep in Kenya was well integrated into the schools and community was something I valued highly. Additionally, the workers there were absolutely saints and hilarious, just simply good people.

We know that reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime experience. Did you have a favourite memory from the mountain itself?

If I'm being honest, it was the sleep I got right after descending. It was the most peaceful and restful sleep I've ever had. Every ounce of me was depleted, but similar to taking a breather after a marathon, the rest is sometimes more satisfying as you reflect on what you have achieved.

How has the overall experience changed you or benefitted you since leaving University?

Since university, there have been times where I would encounter difficulties, but the climb has given me perspective. If I was able to accomplish such a physically and mentally draining challenge, then surely something that is less trivial won't stump me.

That perspective has served me very well in facing the unknown.

Do you have any words of advice for our teams who will embark on reaching the Roof of Africa in 2022?

Check in with your people, try to get everyone to be active not just in terms of fundraising. Train with them. You definitely want to finish as a team at the top.

Thankyou for coming back and chatting with us Brian. It is great to hear you reflect on your time as Team Leader, and how the climb has impacted you since!

Has Brian inspired you? Registrations to join our 2022 Kilimanjaro teams are now open. Head over to our website to find your closest team or join one of our upcoming information sessions.

Or if you would like to feature in our 'Confessions of a Fundraiser' series then get in touch by dropping us an email (support@digdeep.org.uk)