Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a thriving community powered by people. This series of interviews aims to highlight some of the people of Wellington Place, share their inspirational stories and find out why Wellington Place is much more than just a place to work…
Susie Webb from Savills is gearing up for an impressive challenge, climbing the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. And while it’s no easy feat to reach the summit, Susie isn’t stopping there. She’s taking on the monumental challenge in aid of St Gemma’s hospice, all while training for not one but two marathons in the same month.
As Susie prepares to conquer Kilimanjaro (and those two marathons!), we caught up with her to find out what inspired her to take on the challenge in the name of charity.
Can you tell us about your background?
I am the PA for the Savills Leeds Retail Division. I look after a team of two directors, a surveyor and a graduate. My background is in insurance law but after a decade in that industry I made the jump over to the world of property.
What inspired you to climb Kilimanjaro?
I enjoy a challenge and have in the past raised money by running marathons, climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks and completing the National Three Peaks 24-hour challenge. So, when I saw the opportunity to do this and for a charity close to my heart, I jumped at the idea.
Climbing Kilimanjaro will be something completely out of my comfort zone. It will be the furthest I’ve ever travelled; the climate itself will change every day as we ascend the mountain and camping each night will be a huge challenge. In my later years, I’ve grown accustomed to creature comforts, so back to basics in a tent will take some getting used to.
I’m also not a fan of creepy crawlies, apparently there are a few of those in Tanzania! Ultimately, the experience will blow anything I’ve done previously out of the water in terms of difficulty but that aside, I think it will be the most amazing challenge, and I cannot wait to get to the 6,000m summit!
Tell us about the charity you’re raising money for
The charity I am supporting is St Gemma’s Hospice. This charity is a local, independent charity and has been providing expert care to the people of Leeds for over 45 years. They provide the best possible care and support for local people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, helping people live as well as possible, for as long as possible.
What kind of training have you done to prepare for the climb?
With the trek being in September, I have a little while to train I am currently training for two marathons in May so thankfully my fitness is at a good level.
I’ve planned out several walks and trips to the Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Peaks over the upcoming months to get ready for the seven-day trek. I’m also getting out for long walks in the countryside with my backpack on, plus a bit of weight, to get used to what I will be carrying on the climb each day.
What has been the most challenging part of your preparation?
The most challenging part will be getting those miles in. Each day on the trek we will be walking for between five and seven hours, so getting ready for that is going to be difficult.
What’s something fun and unexpected that people might not know about you?
Well, I’m a semi-professional Ten Pin Bowler. I’ve been playing for 26 years and in those years have represented Team England for three years and Yorkshire for 20 years.
What’s your proudest achievement to date?
It’s got to be winning a Gold Medal for Team England or completing my first marathon in May 2023 on my 31st Birthday!
What three words sum up Wellington Place to you, and why?
Convenient – all our shops, restaurants, cafes and coffee are in the same area, we’re close to the train station and we’re right in the city centre. It’s all very handy!
Comfortable – I feel safe and happy coming to work every day and I enjoy where I work.
Community – there’s lots of things going on, from markets to yoga classes to the Wellington Place Runners. There’s always something to get involved in.
Thank you to Susie for taking part in People of Wellington Place! If you would like to tell your story, or wish to nominate someone to take part in the People of Wellington Place series please email info@wellingtonplace.co.uk. And, to donate to Susie’s fundraiser, click here.
