In July this year we shall be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Ciaran Buckley Trust - Charity Registration No 1117246.  The trust (of which Sally and Sarah are trustees) was set up in memory of Sally’s brother Ciaran who suffered from birth from a rare genetic disorder called Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness Syndrome (“KID syndrome”).

The genetic mutation that causes KID syndrome affects all ectodermal cells and thus has three major characterisations:  visual impairments caused by defects of the surface of the corneas (keratitis), a painful skin disorder caused by thickened plaques of skin (erthrokeratoderma) and chronic deafness.

Having suffered from this debilitating condition all his life, Ciaran sadly passed away in 2006 aged just 18 having suffered from an associated carcinoma.  The Trust aims to help people with similar conditions, as well as supporting research and promoting awareness about the difficulties of living with the multiple disabilities of blindness, deafness and skin disorders. 

If you would like to learn more about KID syndrome, please visit www.theciaranbuckleytrust.org where you can also find more details of the projects supported by the Trust.

To donate offline, please use the link which will show you how to claim GiftAid on your donation.  Cheques may be sent to: The Ciaran Buckley Trust, 9 Links Green Way, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2QH.

---- UPDATE ----

We have been in contact with Porters Progress UK which strives to improve the conditions of porters worldwide.

They were donated over 200kg of gortex outerclothes, fleeces, sunglasses and boots suitable for high altitude trekking by various companies.

We have also collected a significant amount of suitable quality second-hand clothing from friends and family and have a score of large bags from World Expeditions for the transport of the items.

Virgin Atlantic are carrrying the baggage free of charge.

We are taking these items to a charity in Tanzania (www.kiliporters.org) which loans porters equipment while the duffels will go to The African Walking Company which organises treks for World Expedition.

Many porters in Tanzania are ill-equipped to face the conditions of the mountain, yet continue to work as this is their only means of earning money. The clothing that we will take to Tanzania will help these porters continue to work in a safer and healthier manner.

---- UPDATE ----

A massive thank you to everyone who helped us reach our original target of £6000.  This is an incredible result.  Due to the fantastic support from all of the people donating so far we have decided to increase our target to £10,000 - everyone's efforts so far have been truly inspirational.

--- UPDATE ---

On 1 August 2008, Team Wheeler reached the dizzying height of 5895 metres.

For the full story of our climb please visit the website at www.theciaranbuckleytrust.org/kilimanjaro.htm