Simon Hawkesley
Simon's Fine & Country Kilimanjaro Challenge
Fundraising for Fine & Country Foundation
Story
First of all can I just say thank you for showing an interest and supporting me.
Apart from walking to the top of Kili, which is daunting in itself, I want to help fund the construction of a centre for homeless children and young people for skills training and education in Moshi, a little remote village at the base of Kilimanjaro.
I can't deny this is a bit scary for me but I've set myself the challenge, so I'm doing it.
I am funding the whole trip myself so every penny we raise will be sent to the team in Moshi when we return to the UK
The funds will also help other projects with rehabilitation, for the orphans and vulnerable children who have lost parents and close relatives as result of HIV/AIDS.
I have been given a very strict regime to follow leading up to the climb which involves a lot of training so I'll need encouragement too!
About the charity: YAAPHA
YAAPHA (Youth in Action against Poverty and HIV/AIDS) is a local charity near the base of Kilimanjaro.
A fantastic team by the look of it who clearly make a huge 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 practices for sustainable development, such as entrepreneurship programmes and life skills training.
I will update you more on the project as we move closer to the climb.
Thank you for helping me make a difference.
Simon x
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