SANDRA Wilson is no stranger to pushing herself to the limit.
In the last few years, the 51year-old North Vancouver resident has cycled through Italy; biked tough terrain in Bhutan and Morocco's Atlas Mountains; and completed the Penticton Ironman Canada, the inaugural Gran Fondo Whistler and the New York City Marathon.
Wednesday, she's set to take on yet another grueling test of endurance when she tackles Mt. Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, Africa. More than just a hike, Wilson is a participant in the 2011 Ascent for Alzheimer's. Presented by the Alzheimer Society of B.C., the event is held every September and raises funds and awareness for families affected by Alzheimer's as well as supports research towards a cure. According to statistics from the society, more than 70,000 Brit-ish Columbians are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
Wilson has focused increasingly on outdoor adventure since 2007, after selling Robeez, a successful children's shoe company she founded, and entering retirement. "I've been challenging myself with physical endeavours over the last couple of years and was looking at what I was going to do for 2011," she says.
So, when her neighbour Ed Arnold, a two-time Ascent for Alzheimer's participant, was interested in passing the torch and approached her to see if she wanted to join the 2011 team, it was an easy decision. "I kind of jumped at the chance thinking it would be a great physical challenge but also a nice way to give back and help out the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and all the families in the province who are dealing with family members with Alzheimer's," she says.
In addition, Wilson's family has been personally affected by dementia as her father-in-law, John Wilson, a West Vancouver resident, lived with the disease for a number of years. He passed away two years ago, at age 81.
"I know so many people are affected by it. . . ." she says. "And especially getting to be in my 50s now, it's getting closer and closer to home all the time."
Based on her previous experiences as well as recent training, including the Grouse Grind and other area hikes like The Lions, Wilson feels prepared, both mentally and physically. "It's just really the elevation that's the unknown, how the body will react to that 19,000-foot elevation," she says. The journey is scheduled to take about a week - five days up and two days down.
Other North Shore residents participating in this year's event include Neil McDonnell, Murray Williamson and Jean Grant.
For more information on Ascent for Alzheimer's or to make a donation, visit www.ascentbc. ca. For more information on the Alzheimer Society of B.C., visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
emcphee@nsnews.com
