First of all, can I just say thank you for showing an interest and reading this page.

I've signed myself up to taking part in a challenge organised by Fine and Country Foundation to

• Climb Kilimanjaro which, at 5895m, is the world's tallest freestanding mountain. The 6 day trek in October will take us through rainforests, moorlands, and the lunar desert before reaching the icefields & the highest point in Africa
• Raise money for YAAPHA (Youth in Action Against Poverty and HIV/AIDS), an amazing charity located in Moshi, on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

Unlike any of my previous events, walking to the top of Kili will be completely outside my comfort zone and will probably take me beyond my physical capabilities. Climbers experience all weather and scenery conceivable, from average temperatures of 20c that can soar to 45C in the highland desert and plummet to -25c on the summit. According to the internet, 60-70% of climbers succeed and 77% experience acute mountain sickness (AMS).

So why am I doing it? I want to help fund the construction of a center for homeless children and young people for skills training and education in Moshi, a remote village at the base of Kilimanjaro.

About the Charity

A fantastic team who clearly make a difference to the lives of their local community. They primarily work with women and orphans, but extend their support to vulnerable children too.

Many have lost parents and close relatives to HIV/AIDS so their focus is to reduce poverty, educate and promote practises for sustainable development such as entrepreneurship programmes and life skills training.

I will update you more on the project and my preparation/training as we move closer to the climb.

Thank you for helping me make a difference.

Paul