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!
