..Training Updates are at tthe bottom of the page..

Information

In October 2009 I will be embarking on a 10 day trek through Venezuela’s Gran Sabana region to the largest tepui (tabletop mountain), Mount Roraima which stands 2,810 metres (9,219ft) above sea level. The tepuis in this region of South America are considered some of the oldest geographical structures on the planet, dating back 2 billion years.

Whilst the mountain itself is not particularly high the trek will be extremely challenging for a number of reasons, mainly its remoteness, and the kilometre vertical rock face that leads to the summit.

I'll be doing this to raise money for the Country Holidays for Inner City Kids (CHICKS) charity. CHICKS aims to provide as many disadvantaged children as possible with the life enhancing experience of a free respite break away in the countryside at one of our centres in Devon or Cornwall.

CHICKS helps children from a variety of different backgrounds, just a few examples are children growing up in poverty, children of prisoners, and children who have been abused, either physically, emotionally or sexually. CHICKS also provides breaks for young carers. CHICKS vision is to give every disadvantaged child the opportunity to feel valued. Childhood lasts for such a short time. It should be a time for laughter and learning, not a time of fear and isolation.

CHICKs is Experian QAS' chosen charity for financial year 2010. The trek to Venezuela is one of many charitable events being organised for and by employees of Experian QAS to raise money for this worth while cause.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: CHICKS 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.

Please sponsor me now!

Updates

14/10/2009 - training tally. Not much gym work, but walking in the boots. Total = 73.5KM (69KM + 4.5KM), giving a total of £78.
14/09/2009 - training tally this week is 20.0KM (16.0KM + 4.0KM), giving a total of £24
07/09/2009 - return flight rebooked from Venezuela
06/09/2009 - reached 100% last week, thanks to all those that donated. Training tally has slacked off a little, time to get back on the treadmill. Last week's tally, £15.00
21/08/2009 - training tally this week is 22.5KM (20.5KM + 2KM), giving a toal of £24.50
11/08/2009 - Doh, links had stopped working since the JustGiving site upgrade, fixed now. 
07/08/2009 - training tally this week is 18.5KM (16.5KM + 2KM), giving a total of £20.50
31/07/2009 - training tally this week is 31.0KM (25.5KM + 5.5KM), giving a total of £36.50. That's a grand total for the first four weeks of 119.5KM.
26/07/2009 - training tally this week is 35.0KM (28.5KM + 6.5KM), giving a total of £41.50
19/07/2009 - training tally this week is 29.0KM (28.5KM + 0.5KM), giving a total of £29.50
12/07/2009 - I'm going to sponsor myself for each KM i do on the treadmill (£1) or rowing machine (£2). Last week's total 24.5KM (20.5KM + 4.0KM), giving a total of £28.50
07/07/2009 - plane tickets purchased. All in now!
09/05/2009 - added a fund raising video, showing footage from the official CHICKS information video, and the BBC's Extreme Dreams, which went on the same trek to Mount Roraima. View it full size to see it in 'HD'.
29/04/2009 - Fund raising has begun. Thanks matt!