Rising to the challenge of Kaiti Hill

Kaiti Hill Challenge - Graeme Braybrook

Committed Kaiti Hill challenger Graeme Braybrook had just completed the equivalent of the Mount Everest ascent when The Gisborne Herald phoned.

Before his last push to the summit, he noted on Facebook he initially felt like Tensing Norgay, the sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary on his epic Mount Everest climb. Mr Braybrook said he carried more weight though, and he had seen a few Ed Hillarys pass him.

“Well my dear friends, I’m Ed Hillary today and to prove it I’m going to ‘knock the bastard off’ today.

“Only 260 metres left to climb to the Everest summit. I will be wearing a limited edition shirt which has a thread of Sir Edmund Hillary’s climbing sock woven into it.

“Very fitting, I think, and the shirt is too.”

Having completed the challenge he felt great, he said.

“I made 68 climbs over 29 days. I won’t stop there. I’ll continue to do it now my fitness levels are up.”

He did not lose weight during the challenge but he has lost size, he says.

“I’m in better shape. I lost a lot of fat and it has come back as muscle.”

Diagnosed six to eight months ago as living with depression, Mr Braybrook made significant changes in his life. His medication is now down to a negligible level, he said.

“Fitness changes your outlook on things. I’ll set myself another fitness goal now. It is all about goal setting.”