Kili Update:

Well I made it - the knees held out just fine - and I can assure you that any money you have generously donated was hard earned.  Struggling foot by foot to get to Uhuru Peak was by far the most physically and mentally challenging thing I've ever undertaken.  I can't sign off without expressing my public thanks to the fantastic Tanzabian guides - especially Amaeli - who encouraged, nurtured and motivated me to the top...  I haven't stopped feeling awe and respect for his kindness, professionalism and charisma.  Without this guy, I'm not sure I'd've made it.

Many thanks - your exhausted friend

Martin :-)

PS - original story follows below...

Hello Friends, Relatives and Colleagues,

Last November, my boss at the time, Gavin Blyth, the inspirational series producer of Emmerdale, died at the tragically young age of 41.  I have been muttering about ‘doing Kilimanjaro one day’ for some years, but Gavin’s passing precipitated one of those moments when the cliché becomes a simple but profound truth you feel you have to act upon.  Life literally is too short. 

Plus, as my other half, Gail, pointed out, it would be worth doing it while I still had the knees. 

I had the trip booked within a few weeks.

So, I’m setting off for Tanzania on Sept 16,  and, altitude sickness allowing, I should be hitting the summit of Kilimanjaro some time on the 22 September.  I’ve been training hard – in the gym, and grabbing stamina building hikes when I can – and it would be great if you could sponsor me, in however small (or large) a way in memory of Gavin, for the cause of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research as commended to me by Gavin’s widow, Suzy.

***

But this is where it gets a bit complicated – so do feel free to ignore the next bit! 

Last year I did the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Mental Health Research – which is a cause very close to my heart.  Mental illness has gouged chunks out of the lives of many people very close to me.  In any given year, one in four of us is likely to fall prey to some form of mental health disorder.  So it was my original intention to split any donations people might like to make two ways. Gavin had metaphorically got me off my backside to actually do this thing, but Mental Health Research is something I care about greatly as well.  Infuriatingly, JustGiving won’t allow me to split my donations two ways on one page.  If I want to do that I have to split myself in two, sort of like a charitable Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

It’s completely up to you – I know it’s a hassle.  If you’re happy just to give to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research that’s more than fine – but if you have the online energy to do this twice (!) and split your giving two ways, then it would be lovely if some money could go to Mental Health Research as well.  Here's the link:

http://www.justgiving.com/KilimanJamesonMHR

or you can follow the link to my team page to the left of this blog.

I’m aware that seems a bit complicated, but both causes are important to me and it seemed a shame not to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Thanks in advance - ! – and wish me luck.

(very excited)

 

Martin  xxx

 

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 - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.