March 2011 Update - we did it!  All 10 fundraising trekkers for Transaid made it to the top of Ras Bwahit (14,500 feet which is half the height of Everest!).  The trekking was arduous, not really because of the distance, but more the heat (30 degrees), the terrain (mainly uphill) and the altitude (lack of oxygen).  Even so, it was an exhilerating experience.  The photos don't do justice to the amazing scenery.  10 people who didn't know one another bonded into an unbeatable team.  And best of all, we raised thousands of pounds for Transaid.  I remain unconvinced, however, about the benefits of camping...

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Welcome to my JustGiving page!

This is your chance to donate to a wonderful cause and see me suffer.  Last time I visited Africa with Transaid, it was to do something I love - working in logistics.  I had the opportunity of a lifetime in Zambia in 2008 and if you sponsored me then, thank you.  Your money has already helped make transport safer and more efficient, not only in Zambia but also Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Malawi and several other countries.

My next visit will be a whole different story.  If the Transaid consultancy project I completed in 2008 was my charity heaven, then the arduous trek I'm undertaking in February 2011 will be my charity hell.  I have never been known for sporting prowess or physical fitness, but the desk-bound biscuit-munching Clare you know (& love?) is about to get a wake-up call!

The scenery of Ethiopia is reportedly breathtaking - but that wouldn't normally induce me to walk through it for five days straight.  Admittedly I could do with getting a bit fitter - but I'm not convinced that the Simien Mountain range is the obvious place to do it.  They say it will be a thrilling adventure - but I get passionate enough about supply-chain analysis: do I really need the allure of Gonder's historic palaces or the impressive Jinbar Waterfall?  Let's face it, the most important factor motivating me to join this trekking expedition is the opportunity to raise much-needed cash for such a worthy cause. 

And that's where you come in...donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Transaid and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for Transaid.

Please, please, please dig deep and donate now.