Island grandmother prepares to tackle Mount Kilimanjaro

Reached on the phone, the grandmother of three could not contain her enthusiasm and excitement over her impending climb.

"I'm ready to go," she told us. "I've been training really hard for the past few months and I'm physically ready to tackle this mountain."

Géraldine will be one of 33 people attempting the 19,340-foot climb, with the ultimate goal of raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation.

"Every single member of the expedition had to raise $6,000. I've exceeded that amount," she told us proudly. "Money is still coming in, so I'm not sure of the total raised, but it's close to $9,000 right now and people can still donate, if they'd like."

The group met last week, in preparation for the trip and Géraldine claims that the team dynamics are excellent. "We have a great chemistry and I'm sure we'll work well together."

The only unknown, at this point in the game, is how Géraldine will react to the altitude. "No matter how much you train and how physically fit you are you never know how you'll react to the altitude; you just can't train for that."

Géraldine already knows who her

efforts will be directly benefitting; Tina, a 17-year-old girl suffering from bone cancer. There's no doubt that this grandmother of three will be thinking of young Tina as she starts climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in a few days. We wish her the best of luck. Those interested in donating to a great cause, can still do so, by logging on www.makeawish.ca