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FORMER radio and television newsreader Nadia Swan may circle the supermarket car park three times to find a space nearest the door but now the self-confessed 'non-walker' is putting her best foot forward and aiming to Climb Africa's highest peak in aid of charity.
Nadia may have left the island but her heart is still with Bahrain's Palm Association and the plucky TV personality will brave freezing temperatures and altitude sickness to conquer the 5,891m Mount Killimanjaro.
After 15 years in the kingdom, Nadia and her family moved to Dubai last September.
Once they were settled she found herself with time on her hands and decided she needed a challenge.
She said: "After 15 years in Bahrain, where I would often start my day on the radio at 5am and sometimes end it with presenting Bahrain Television's news at 11pm, I was beginning to get rather bored.
"I also try to keep reasonably fit, so when someone idly asked me if I had thought about climbing Kilimanjaro ... I thought, Why not? I felt I could put my fitness, and my time, to good use by raising money for the Palm Association.
"In addition, it makes me feel I am still contributing and am part of the Palm, even though I am in Dubai."
But though Nadia enjoys keeping fit and is swimming, walking and going to the gym in preparation for her adventure, she readily admits the trek will be a test of her stamina and endurance, particularly for someone who usually avoids walking.
She said: "This is going to sound ridiculous, but I don't walk. I'm the person you see circling the supermarket car park three times to find the closest parking spot to the door. I'm really not wild about camping and I suffer badly in the cold, anything below 20 degrees and I start turning blue!
"Three friends of mine, who did this climb last year, sat me down and were tremendously supportive. They gave me plenty of tips, not to mention a kit bag full of useful gear!
"So, yes, I know it's going to be difficult, but I'm going to give it my best shot, and really just want to make it to the top. The effort will be worth it if I can raise as much money as possible for the Palm Association, which will help people who are a good deal less fortunate than many of us."
Nadia's is hoping for both corporate and individual sponsorship for her efforts. She has already been in touch with several companies and had received a generous response from Riffa Views.
And lots of family and friends have said they will cough up to.
The money raised will go towards the Palm Association's work providing essential support for hundreds of needy Bahraini families in villages across the country.
The association has raised almost BD500,000 in the eight years it has been running.
Nadia said: "The Palm Association was an obvious choice to make as I have been involved since its inception. I know first-hand how much material help it provides in the way of monthly food parcels, basic appliances and rebuilding dilapidated homes. The Palm Association has also sponsored and been instrumental in helping 25 dedicated Bahraini students, who could not otherwise afford it, go on practical university courses, allowing them the future opportunity to gain employment and support themselves and their families.
"I enjoy a challenge, something positive to aim for that motivates me, and trying to reach the top of Kilimanjaro which would be a once in a lifetime experience, seemed the right thing at just the right time."
