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I'm undertaking a Winter Ascent of Mount Toubkal - North Africa's highest peak (4167m high) on 6th February 2010 in aid of St John's Hospice, Lancaster.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St John's Hospice, Lancaster (N Lancashire & Lakeland Continuing Care Trust) 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 & donate money to a very good cause.
About St John's Hospice
St John's Hospice has been established in Lancaster since 1985. The Hospice aims to provide specialist care to patients suffering from cancer & other chronic illnesses in the North Lancashire & South Lakeland area. It is a key aim of the Hospice to help preserve the dignity of individuals in a calm & supportive environment.
The Hospice is heavily dependent on the goodwill and generosity of others so your donation can make a big difference.
I first became aware of the Hospice's work when in 2005 my Grandfather passed away & spent his last days in their care. The Hospice has recently been brought back to my attention through my work at Cassidy + Ashton who have recently designed & overseen the construction of a new Day Care Centre at the Hospice. I am now personally involved in the ongoing refurbishment works of the existing wards.
About Mount Toubkal
Jbel Toubkal is the highest mountain in the Haut Atlas (High Atlas) and North Africa until Ras Dashen in Ethiopia. It's summit is 4167m above sea level.
The trek will be guided & undertaken as part of a small group over the course of a week. It will entail the use of an ice axe & crampons for trekking over the snow & ice, which often covers the atlas mountain range. Before attempting the summit I will be spending a couple of days acclimatising by undertaking treks from our mountain refuge which may include a trek up Morocco's 3rd highest peak, Ouanoukrim (4088m high).
Summit day is an early start with a steep ascent. Our route zig-zags across snow covered scree slopes. We will continue upwards across snow slopes to reach the ridge-line that drops off steeply before reaching Toubkal’s summit. Hopefully there will be fantastic views of the snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains & the Sahara desert!
You can find out more information about Toubkal by following the link below: -
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150232/jbel-toubkal.html
Pre Summit Training
I am an amateur mountaineer & in January 2009 attended a winter skills training course in Aviemore. During the course I practised travelling over snow & ice using an ice axe & crampons, built snow shelters, undertook avalanche awareness methods and improved my navigation techniques. Subsequent to this training I intend to undertake various winter mountain walks in the months preceding the trek to consolidate my skills.
My Personal Funding
Apart from a small charge by justgiving.com your donation goes to St John's Hospice, Lancaster.
I am financing the trip personally but any additional help would be much appreciated. If you are able to help to me by donating towards the cost of the trip or donating/discounting equipment then this should be done separately by contacting me directly on my email address listed below: -
Many Thanks for your support,
Jon Clayton

