Dear All, As some of you are aware I am off to trek the World's highest freestanding Mountain - Kilimanjaro in June 2008. At nearly 18, 000 feet, it is my challenge is to reach the summit over a 10 day trek. My trek starts in the rainforests of Lemosho Glades and heads upwards as I acclimatise on Shira Plateau. I'll continue via the beautiful Southern Flank, Barranco Wall and Barafu Route. The expedition has been carefully planned to ensure that I acclimatise as much as possible to the altitude and my chances of making it to the summit are maximised. The operations teams have one of the highest success rates (96%) of trekkers reaching the summit, but I can’t underestimate the challenge ahead. AS SOME OF YOU KNOW, I AM NO TRAINED ATHLETE!! On the final night before the summit climb I will need to get up at around midnight to commence the final trek in the moonlight up the scree slopes to Stella Point. We aim to reach this point by dawn and continue around the rim to the highest point - Uhuru Peak. This is likely to be the toughest day, involving 4248ft/1,295m of ascent, 7,038ft/2,145m of descent, and 12-15 hours walking. I have chosen to do this expedition for Community Projects Africa, see left for the projects they do in Africa, specifically Tanzania and also www.communityprojectsafrica.org for more information. I felt strongly about wanting to take part in this trek for a small, local charity, where the money raised will be DIRECTLY beneficial the people of the area and their futures. I hope you can appreciate that the money you so kindly donate will be going to the people who really need it and not be swallowed up in the funding pot so to speak. Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online. I have a target I need to reach so anything you can donate will be much apreciated. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Community Projects Africa will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. I can also write you down on my form if you would prefer to not use this online service. You can simply send me a cheque made out to the charity and it will be sent off to them. So please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support. Claire xx