On 21 August my friend Heiko and I will fly to Africa to face the biggest challenge of our lives so far: climbing the Kilimanjaro.

 

The Kilimanjaro is generally accepted as the highest „walkable mountain” and one of the highest volcanoes in the world. It is a long and hard trek to the summit, which reaches an altitude of 5,895m. We will walk the 8-day long “Lemosho-route”, which spends time on both the western and the southern sides of the mountain, including a steep climb up the famed Barranco walls. After the ascent by torchlight, starting at around midnight, we will be rewarded with reaching the summit by sunrise, having passed by spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. We will camp in tents, with no room-service or hot showers available, (hopefully not) battling with the altitude and extreme cold at the peak. What a challenge!

 

We thought, if we are attempting such a massive trip, then we should raise money for a good cause, this will also keep us going in moments of weakness. We would like to support Amber (http://www.amberweb.org/), a charity focussed on helping disadvantaged unemployed young people whose lives are going nowhere to gain the motivation, confidence and skills they need to get a job and accommodation and to be able keep them. Young people who are homeless, misused drugs or alcohol, lack self-esteem, have no qualifications and low basic skills, been involved in crime or are ex-offenders. Amber’s residential centres offer these young people a fresh start; a chance to sort out problems, build self-confidence, gain practical skills and qualifications and generally acquire the know-how for independent living and work– and more than 80% do so...

 

This charity is UK-based. We believe it’s a good cause, please do sponsor us and help Amber. Please dig deep and donate now – every donation is greatly appreciated!

 

Many thanks.

Djamila and Heiko