Dublin accountant battles asthma to summit the world’s seven highest volcanic peaks
Milasha Joseph at the summit of Europe’s highest volcanic mountain, Mount Elbrus in Russia. Despite suffering from chronic asthma, she has climbed the first four peaks in the Volcanic Seven Summits challenge.
A Dublin-based accountant has moved a step closer to achieving her dream of conquering the world’s seven volcanic summits.
Milasha Joseph, who has asthma and has to use an inhaler while climbing, has completed the first four of her seven journeys by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa); Mount Elbrus (Europe); Mount Damavand (Asia), and Pico De Orizaba (North America).
She is hoping to use her adventures to raise awareness around chronic asthma and inspire women with health conditions. Asthma currently affects more than 450,000 people in Ireland.
Milasha recently reached the top of Kilimanjaro but the 33-year-old has little time to celebrate, however, as she prepares to travel to Mount Giluwe in Papua Guinea in her second attempt to reach its top.
“Giluwe is located in the tribal area so you need permission from tribal leaders to climb the mountain,” she said.
“Because of the way the road is there is no proper route. This route is only used by the village people to go and collect the wood for the fire.
"Everything you see in nature belongs to a different tribe. For instance the grass is owned by a particular tribe and the same goes for the water and rocks.
"There were only tribal people showing me the way and not any proper mountaineering guide. They just show you the routes and you have to do it by yourself. There were also no ropes or other protection. The 45-degree steep climb was very intense.
“It was raining and very slippery. If I missed one foot and slipped than that was it for me and I didn’t want to take that chance.
"I’ve learned that there is no point climbing if it means risking your life because the mountains can wait.”
The other summits left on her list are Ojos del Salado in South America and Mount Sidley in Antarctica.
Milasha says she is determined to complete all seven despite her breathing issues.
The adventurer suffered with chronic asthma as a child and must still use an inhaler during training and climbing sessions.
“I couldn’t do any sports when I was a kid because of my asthma. A lot of my school time was spent in hospital.
"As an adult, the pandemic gave me some time to focus on my health. Before, I couldn’t carry two kilogrammes so I’m proud to be able to undertake this challenge.
"I’m going to be dedicating all my climbs to those living with asthma.”
The accountant, who was born in India before moving to Ireland in 2014, said the move benefitted her health.
“Once I moved to Ireland it got a lot better. The air quality here is far better in comparison to India because there is no dust.
"There are still difficulties. My main problem is with my breathing. This is because when you go higher the air oxygen is less.
Milasha is determined to make it all the way to Antarctica — her final summit.
“For Antarctica I’ll need sponsorship. It’s going to cost $75,000 (€64,000) in total.
"For some people this challenge takes a year and for other it takes two years. It’s going to take less time if you have the money and time.
“I’m working and arranging this during holiday time so it might take a good while for me. It will all depend on sponsorship and the availability of time.”
