David Lloyd

This summer, GCSE student Chloe Smith from Old St Mellons, will become the youngest person from Wales to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite being only 15 years of age, Chloe can’t wait to begin the 19,334ft challenge thanks to extensive cardio training at the David Lloyd health club and gym in Cardiff.

The year 10 pupil has been training three times a week at her local club with 46 year old Dad Jeff who will be accompanying her on the challenge. Chloe says “we are doing a lot of cardio; working the muscles in our legs”.

Chloe and her Dad aim to raise a massive £10,000 sponsorship in aid of Barnados, “we wanted a challenge because my sister Tiffany, who I am very close to, was leaving home so we wanted to have a challenge in our lives” Chloe states.

Rob Beale, Group Health and Fitness Manager at David Lloyd Leisure says “training for a climb like this requires a lot of commitment mentally as well as physically. Climbers must train every day to ensure they are prepared for the demanding and intense challenge ahead. Ascending Mount Kilimanjaro is an achievement in itself but for someone of Chloe’s age it is amazing. I would like to wish Chloe and Jeff the best of luck and congratulate them on their efforts to date; it is great to see such spirit in such a young member”.

Graphic design businessman Jeff is no stranger to training as he used to play in goal for local group Cardiff Devils and also enjoys competing in triathlons. Jeff says “As long as we succeed, that’s the biggest thing. I think it is going to be very moving. I am just going to be so proud if we do it together”

The adventurous pair decided to climb the volcano after visiting one of the Barnardos programmes in Cardiff. “We researched different mountains and looked into the Comic Relief expedition, it turned out it’s exactly the same programme we are doing. It looks safe and do-able.” Chloe says, “We are taking the longest route so it takes the longest to acclimatise”.

Despite the gruelling challenge that lies ahead, Dad Jeff is confident the father-daughter duo will make it thanks to their training at David Lloyd Leisure “It’s a challenge for me but I think what Chloe is doing is immense for her age. Physically we should be OK, we are going to do as much preparation as possible”