When she’s not leading the team at Total Body Concept or caring for her clients in the clinic, founder and co-owner Debbie McGregor can usually be found chasing new challenges. But her latest adventure took things to new heights. Quite literally. After nine months of dedicated training, Debbie set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa standing at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet). Her journey was a test of endurance, strength and spirit, and yes, even at nearly 6,000 metres above sea level, Debbie stayed true to her passion for skincare… Here, she shares her reflections on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. My Kilimanjaro Experience There are probably not too many people who decide to take on a mountain like Kilimanjaro. Standing at a staggering 19,341 feet (5,895 metres), it’s the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Without a doubt, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. After nine months of training, I spent seven days and six nights on the mountain, and I was absolutely thrilled (and a little emotional!) to reach the summit. The Climb It was gruelling in parts (to say the least!). Kilimanjaro tested me in every possible way: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. If I hadn’t focused on all of those components in my training, I don’t think I would have made it. Each one supported the other. Climbing through dust, sun, rain, hail and snow, I learnt so much about myself. That my body is capable of far more than I ever thought. That pain eventually fades. That breathing highly oxygenated air is a gift we take for granted. That a warm shower, a bed and fresh sheets are true luxuries after six nights in a tent. Most of all, I gained a deep appreciation for what happens when you push beyond your comfort zone. It’s there, in the struggle and the stillness, that you grow. The Barranco Wall One of the most unforgettable moments of the climb was scaling the Barranco Wall, a 300-metre rock face that looks almost impossible from below. Step by step, we hugged the wall, found our footholds and trusted the process. Every move took us higher above the clouds, surrounded by breathtaking views of the valley below. It wasn’t just a physical climb. It was mental. Courage, focus and teamwork carried us through. Standing at the top, looking out across Africa’s highest mountain, the sense of achievement was unreal. One wall at a time. One breath at a time. We kept climbing. Summit Day After hiking to Barafu Camp and completing an acclimatisation walk to 4,800m, we had a hearty lunch and a briefing for the big one: Summit Day. I did an EFT (tapping) and an energising chakra meditation to balance and power my energy, then read my SUMMIT DAY 6 hand written inspirational messages from my amazing daughter Holly and empowering friends Claire and Ali. I had the gift of a message for every night on the mountain. They brought tears to my eyes every night and those messages alongside my meditation and diaphragmatic breathing mantra were absolute gold in keeping me focused, positive and strong. I also tapped into the reiki energy my incredible group was sending to me from home. It was like having a piece of their strength with me. At 10pm, we layered up for the freezing cold and began our final push. Step by step through the darkness, our headlamps glowing, we climbed higher into the thin air, tired, cold, but determined. Hours later, as the sun began to rise above the clouds, the world lit up in gold and pink. It was one of the most emotional and breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen. Standing at Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 ft) The Roof of Africa, I was exhausted, proud and completely in awe. One mountain. One dream. And one heck of a journey Gratitude This climb wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible Rhino Team, a group of people who supported and inspired one another unconditionally, and the legendary Altezza team, led by Head Guide Jafari and his amazing crew: Lema, Mmari, Leonard and Loiruku (my personal porter on summit day), to name a few. To the tireless porters who carried our tents, food, water and even the portable toilet through every condition imaginable, you are the real heroes of the mountain. I’ll forever carry this experience with me: the lessons, the laughs, the gratitude. Kilimanjaro reminded me what’s possible when you set your sights high, stay committed and keep climbing one breath, one step, one sunrise at a time. The Skincare Essentials (Yes, I Took Them Up the Mountain!) Now, let’s talk about skincare because even on a mountain, I wasn’t about to give that up! My gear was meant to weigh a maximum of 15kg… mine came in at 18kg. The porters had a good laugh, but there was no way I was leaving my Ultraceuticals and Thalgo travel-size products behind. Every morning and night, I religiously (and I mean religiously) did my skincare routine in my tent. It was much quicker than at home, but it was non-negotiable. After a long day of hiking in the harsh elements, that simple ritual of cleansing and hydrating grounded and comforted me. It was dusty, freezing and wild, but at least my skin felt good! My team of ten couldn’t stop laughing about my dedication, but by the end they admitted my skin looked great, so maybe I was onto something! From all of us at Total Body Concept: We’re so proud of Debbie’s incredible achievement. Her determination, focus, and spirit truly inspire us all. Whether it’s climbing a mountain or supporting our clients in their wellbeing and skin journeys, Debbie’s commitment to growth and excellence shines through in everything she does. We wonder what’s next?
