Raised: 113%
Target: £3,200.00
Raised so far: £3,610.98
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My story

 

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for visiting this page. Have a little read and then PLEASE donate as much as you can afford. I promise I'll make it!

Help for Heroes has become, in the words of the Prime Minister, a ‘National Institution’ and it is hard to believe we only started this in October 2007. Since then we have raised £1 million a month to help support our wounded servicemen and women injured in the current conflicts. We have done that with your help. This has really been something very simple, a group of friends who wanted to do something to help, that message communicated to others who have joined in and made this the success it so obviously is.

This is not about politics, there is no need to criticise or complain, why moan about it being dark when you can light a candle? We may have started something but thousands have joined us to make this what it is today. This is about ordinary decent people wanting to to do their bit to help, to raise money by joining in and so creating something that has become rather wonderful.

About the Trek Itself;

The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m. Its snow-capped summit rises high above the dusty plains and huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit; these views are the reward for pushing your limits both physically and mentally.

Our trek takes the less-trodden Machame route, allowing us to camp and fully appreciate the splendour of our surroundings and the clear night skies. We pass through thick forest, moorland and scree enroute to the highest point, Uhuru Peak.

This is a challenging trek at altitude, climbing one of the most impressive and well-known mountains in the world.

Guide Itinerary !

DAY 1: Fly London to Kilimanjaro International airport
DAY 2: Arrive Kilimanjaro; transfer to Moshi town
DAY 3: Trek through dense jungle to Machame camp, 3100m
DAY 4: Through forest to Shira Plateau; on to camp at Shira caves, 3840m
DAY 5: Trek high moorland (4800m) via Lava Tower to Barranco Hut (3900m)
DAY 6: Into Great Barranco ravine; trek via Karanga valley over scree to camp (4600m)
DAY 7: Steep trek to summit glaciers, including Uhuru Peak (5896m); begin descent
DAY 8: Descend through rainforest and finish in Moshi for a large celebration
DAY 9: Free time in Moshi; chance to visit local community project; flight departs
DAY 10: Arrive UK

So there you have it - that is what I will be doing on the 10th October! Here's a little about me and why I'm doing this;

I'm Ash Baker and I am a member of The Parachute Regiment, I have been for just over 6 years now. I have done two operational tours of Iraq with 2 PARA and am now in 1 PARA.

In April 2008 2 PARA deployed to Afghanistan for a 6 month tour of duty, in that time the battalion had the worst losses since British Forces entered Afghan in 2002. As I was in 1 PARA at the time I was not out there with the boys but I personally knew one of the blokes who lost their lives (Jay Bateman) and went to his funeral, along with another 4 others. They were

PTE Nathan Cuthbertson

PTE David Murray

PTE Daniel Gamble

PTE Jeff Doherty

LCPL James Bateman

*Rest In Peace my Airborne Brothers*

I can honestly say that the two weeks it took to attend those boys funerals was up there with the hardest things I have had to do as a soldier. To see the families at the service and see their hurt, tears and pain knowing that could well have been me and my family, and then go to the wake and have them say " I think you boys do a fantastic job" was something that will stay with me forever. So I am doing this for those lads named above and the other 10 PARAs and Attached Arms who served with 2 PARA on Op Herrick 8;

WO2 Michael Williams

PTE Peter Joe Cowton

PTE Jason Rawstron

LCPL Nicky Mason

TPR Robert Pearson

MNE Dale Gostick

PTE Joe Whittaker

CPL Jason Barnes

LCPL Kenneth Rowe

RNGR Justin Cupples

*Rest In Peace my friends*

I know in these hard times that people may not have too much spare cash but anything is better than nothing at all and is REALLY appreciated so PLEASE - as much as you can afford. THANK YOU.

Cheers,

Ash Baker

Please visit - http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/index.html


Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Help for Heroes gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Just a little more from the blokes. Cheers fellas! Donation by The Blokes 30/10/09  

£35.00

sorry its a bit late dude, better late than never though i suppose! beers on you when i see ya then??? lol Donation by Adam Wyles aka snaggle 20/10/09  

£50.00

No doubt ill be blowing out my arse mate, being a useless civi and all!! Ill leave the fast times to you reg! Good luck pal! Donation by Lugsy 11/09/09  

£50.00

Another £40 collected from the blokes. Cheers lads. Donation by The Blokes 11/09/09  

£40.00

Good on you Ashley and best of luck! Donation by Graham Denney 10/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Donation by Anonymous 02/08/09  

£20.00

Good Luck Ashley, Well done for supporting such a good cause xx Donation by Jo Humphrey 01/08/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

It's time you hit £3200! I was really affected by your story and very much want you to succeed. Good luck!! Donation by Peter King @ HCC 28/07/09  

£58.00 + £16.36 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Vanessa Rust @HCC 22/07/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Bridgend Street Collection with Kyla - Good Work! Thank you! Donation by People Of Bridgend 20/07/09  

£452.47

Best of luck Ashley, judging by your fitness levels at rounders not so long ago...you'll be up that mountain in no time..all the best x Donation by Angie Hockley (Connexions) 17/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

The very best of luck from an old friend of Alison and long retired soldier! Donation by David Kirk 16/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

With every good wish for Kilimanjaro - and for Afghanistan next year. Donation by Peter King @ HCC 16/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

lOOKING FORWARD TO FOLLOWING YOUR PROGRESS - GOOD LUCK Donation by Maureen Prior 16/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck, wishing you all the best! Donation by Lucie Tarrant @ HCC 16/07/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Sorry it isn't more, and certainly does not reflect how I feel when reading your story. Donation by Susan Bragg 15/07/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good luck for such a worthy cause. Donation by Sallyann Rackham 15/07/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Lots of luck! Donation by Jenny Male 14/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Donation by Linda Humby 14/07/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

ally cause mate, keep it airborne and good luck me ole mucker !! Donation by kev 'mac' mcilveen 13/07/09  

£150.00

Barry Street Collection - 2 hours work - not bad at all! Thank you! Donation by People Of Barry 13/07/09  

£223.38

Good luck. May our prayers be with all of the troops both currently serving and those who are injured. Donation by Eileen Harris 13/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck mate from ex OC 3 PARA Mortars! Donation by Christopher Prior 11/07/09  

More money from The Blokes. Cheers lads! Donation by The Blokes 11/07/09  

£227.00

From the people on a night out in the Bridgend Area 10/07/09 Donation by People Of Bridgend 11/07/09  

£236.33

Ashley, A small contribution to help you reach your goal. Good luck! Donation by Chris Wheatley 10/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Best of luck for this trip - brilliant cause (and thanks to your Aunt for highlighting it!) Donation by L Foster 09/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

As the daughter of an ex serviceman I respect you Ash and wish you well. Donation by Chris Johnston 09/07/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Not a lot I know but hope it goes someway to show that we are proud of what you are doing for us. Best of luck with your challenge. John Donation by JOHN GUARD 09/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Your Aunt's request to HCC employee's encouraged me to make a donation, especially as my brother is in the Para's too. Good Luck! Donation by Andrea Berry 08/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
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  Offline donations: £180.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £438.70

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