In January 2007 I will attempt to climb to the summit of the world's highest active volcano, Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador, peak 19,346ft. 

I will be undertaking this expedition in support of two charities: REACH, The Association for Children with Hand or Arm Deficiency (Registered Charity Reg No. 278679) and STEPS, the Association for People with Lower Limb Abnormalities.

On top of the physical and mental preparation, the biggest challenge is finding the financial support to make this event a success for the charities. 

Please do not feel obliged, but if at all possible, I would really appreciate whatever contribution you feel you could make.

I have paid £500 of my own money towards the cost of the expedition and have agreed to raise a further minimum of £2,750 for the charities.

I am not guaranteed a place on the trek to Cotopaxi until I give them the money; I must do this by mid November!

REACH & Steps will use the money to support projects they fund across the country.

REACH is a small charity formed 25 years ago, they also rely on fund raising events such as this to provide a boost to their income.  The 2003 Mount Kilimanjaro expedition I participated in raised over £37,000 and Everest Base Camp in 2005 raised £42,000!

These sums represent the biggest fundraising events for 2003 and 2005, generating approx. 25% of their annual income respectively.  Thus, you can see how reliant small charities are on the success of their events.  Small charities tend not to reach the limelight, which is another good reason for supporting them.

You can find more information about Steps on this website.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is the most efficient way to sponsor me: The charities 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.

So please sponsor me!!

Thanking you in advance for  your support,

Yours truly,

Julian Clarke