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In September I am climbing Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in north Africa. At 4,167 metres it is the equivalent of three Ben Nevises. And I've never scaled Ben Nevis.
By doing so, I hope to raise money for WaterAid which seeks to improve access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities.
I am undertaking the three-day trek with a group of fellow financial journalists and others from the finanical services industry. The flights and accomodation are funded by Ignis Asset Management so the money I raise goes to WaterAid.
My trek is for fun (although I might think differently at the time). But some 1.1 billion people live more than a kilometre from their water source. Freeing them from the time constraints and fatigue of carrying heavy containers, weighing as much as 20kg, over long distances enables children to go to school or play and women to carry out other work, often to earn money.
For this City journalist the numbers are compelling. For every $1 invested in water and sanitation, an average of $8 is returned in increased productivity. Lack of water, sanitation and hygiene costs Sub-Saharan African countries more in lost economic output than the entire continent gets in development aid.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and 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.