Petros to conquer peaks for kids

Petros Khalesirad with, from left, Inness Field and Zoe Demczynszyn.

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RISK-taker Petros Khalesirad left Rockhampton yesterday on a journey to climb Africa’s highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro.

The colourful Rockhampton businessman has vowed to climb the seven summits of the world during the next three to five years.

For the past four months Petros has been training hard for the task ahead.

He said his goal was to showcase the Rockhampton region to the world as well as raise much-needed money and awareness for kids with cancer through Camp Quality.

He said he drew inspiration from the courage these children showed.

“There are many times I am physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted when I’m climbing,” said Petros, a father of two.

“I soon remember the overwhelming emotions I experienced from working with the Camp Quality kids, listening to their life stories or doing fun therapy.

“I love it how these kids think ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and very quickly after I have a giggle I realise I’ve actually got a little bit more in the tank and it isn’t that bad.

“It’s all about putting one foot in front of the other.”

He said Kilimanjaro was a challenging 5896 metre high altitude climb.

“It is perhaps one of the best known mountains of the world and some consider it the most romantic,” Petros said.

“Kilimanjaro is like an island, standing tall and sentinel surrounded by the hot, dry plains of Africa.”

Petros said he planned standing at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro holding the Camp Quality flag in an effort to bring optimism, happiness, strength and courage to the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

He said he hoped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through donations and sponsorship through his summit climbs.

If you would like to donate or become a corporate sponsor go to petrosk.com.au