When we (Christopher and Richard Milford) decided to attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro we didn’t really have sponsorship in mind, and simply thought it would be an adventure, a ‘father/son’ thing to do. It is the highest free standing mountain in the world (standing over 3 miles above the surrounding plains) and approximately 30,000 people attempt the climb each year.
In discussing the climb with our friend, Richard Bayfield, he brought it to our attention (and it made a lot of sense) that seeking sponsorship for our climb could be a worthwhile endeavour for charities close to our hearts. Our efforts could therefore be enjoyed on a personal level but would also be used to benefit those in Africa that we have been close to in the past. We therefore agreed that any sponsorship raised would be used for two specific charities related to Africa:
1. The Lighthouse Chapel International Orphanage and Youth programme in Kumasi, Ghana. This is because I spent 4 months this year teaching English in Kumasi and gained a huge insight into the great work this church is doing all over Africa (for Christians and non-Christians alike).They have a fantastic youth programme and I am delighted to be able to do anything that would continue to support this wonderful work .
2. The Christian community church mission in Sierra Leone (www.c3m.info) is something Richard Bayfield has been involved with since Pastor Yatta Samura visited in 2001 and told us how he was looking after 16 orphans in Freetown in a 2 bedroom shack. Through Pastor Yatta we have direct contact with the Christian community church mission which is building / running 3 junior schools for victims of the civil war and working with people of all faiths in Sierre Leone.
We believe these two projects are worthy of support – and because of our direct contact with these charities, know that any money raised will go directly to those providing this care/support to the children in these two areas of Africa.
Richard Milford
