We are heading to Tanzania at the end of September to climb Mount Killimanjaro.  While this is a trip we are both paying for ourselves, we agreed that we should take the opportunity to raise some money for charity.  So please dig deep and donate now. 

We are raising money for Opportunity International, a charity that empowers people in developing countries with microfinance - small loans, savings, micro insurance - and training so that they can unlock their own potential and better provide for themselves and their families.  98% of these loans are repaid and the money is then recycled to help others.  For more information visit the website: http://www.opportunity.org.uk/

This is a really worthwhile charity and, as the trip is being wholly funded by us, everything you give will go directly to help them carry out their important work.

If you thought climbing Killimanjaro was easy (because Chris Moyles and Cheryl Cole managed it), a few facts to impress you and make you stick your hands in your pockets:

- Killi is the highest mountain in Africa;

- it is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level), higher than Everest base camp;

- less than 50% who attempt it make it to the top (we will do our best!);

- we're doing the less travelled route, which means we have to camp - temperatures can go down to -20 degrees :-( ;

- Chris and Cheryl did it in 12 days, we are doing it in 6; and

- Amy has already learnt the Killimanjaro song, so James is going to have to put up with that the whole way up (until altitude sickness strikes of course!).

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 the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.