An Altrincham doctor who spent more than 20 years dreaming of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has said the experience transformed how she thinks about medicine - and inspired her to bring a new kind of GP practice to Hale.
Dr Varshini Rajakulendran, who has lived in Altrincham since 2017 and is raising three children here, finally reached the summit in 2025, timing the expedition to mark her 40th birthday. She is now one of the lead GPs at Mayfield Clinic, which operates across sites in Hale and Altrincham.
"Climbing that mountain taught me that long-term goals and better health really are achievable at any stage of life," she said.
The climb was far from straightforward. Altitude sickness left her with persistent headaches and breathlessness - "like a mild asthma flare that never eased," she says - and several members of her team struggled badly.
It was the Swahili mantra repeated by their mountain guides - pole pole, slowly slowly - that she says has stayed with her. "Pacing, rest and community support matter as much as determination. Big goals are achieved through small steps taken consistently."
Training for the expedition while working as a GP and raising a family meant early starts and late evenings. Dr Rajakulendran admits she battled guilt throughout. "I often felt mum guilt leaving my children to train. Yet I wanted them to see that women can chase big dreams - that their mum could do hard things, and one day they could too."
It is a sentiment that will resonate with many of the patients she sees. Dr Rajakulendran says a significant part of her work involves people who are overwhelmed, burned out or putting their own health last - pressures she experienced herself in the months of preparation for the climb.
"I often see people feeling overwhelmed or stuck, ignoring their own needs because of guilt or a busy family life. Sometimes it just takes slowing down and focusing on one small step - even 10 minutes of walking, fresh air or better sleep can make a real difference."
Those themes of resilience and community now run through her approach to patient care at Mayfield Clinic, where she specialises in respiratory health, women's health, lifestyle medicine and mental wellbeing.
The clinic offers private GP appointments on a named-GP basis, meaning patients see the same doctor consistently rather than whoever is available - something she regards as central to good care.
Dr Rajakulendran trained at the University of Cambridge and has more than 18 years of clinical experience, including hospital posts in cardiology and respiratory medicine before completing her GP training in Stockport. She has also worked to support veterans and other communities who find healthcare harder to access, experience she says has deepened her commitment to listening and involving patients fully in decisions about their own health.
"I believe every patient deserves to feel listened to, respected, and fully involved in decisions about their health," she said.
Away from the clinic, she is a familiar face on the touchlines of local football and hockey pitches, following her three children through whatever the Greater Manchester weather throws at them. She also runs, hikes, cooks, bakes and makes the most of Manchester's food and music scene.
"I love the camaraderie and community spirit of Altrincham," she said. "It is a real privilege as a GP to be part of such a thriving community."
Mayfield Clinic's Hale and Altrincham sites offer face-to-face and virtual appointments, with individual memberships available from £89 per month, as well as one-off and pay-as-you-go appointments. For more, visit mayfieldclinic.co.uk
For 10% off your first standard GP appointment at Mayfield Clinic in Hale and Altrincham, use code Altrincham10. Offer valid until 31st May 2026.
