Dear all my lovely friends, family and colleagues,

I have decided to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania this September to raise money for Umthombo; an organisation in South Africa that is doing fantastic work with street children. As many of you know, I spent several years living in South Africa, firstly working in development for a small NGO north of Durban, and later in documentary filmmaking, before settling back in the UK. When my friends out there told me about the incredible work that this organisation is doing I immediately wanted to see how I could help. Umthombo is run primarily by former street kids - they operate an outreach scheme, a safe area and a reintegration programme to help the kids get back on their feet in society. They're tackling, head on, the problems South Africa is suffering from during the social transition since the end of apartheid (crime, HIV, poverty etc) and, after a lot of thought and research, I have decided to do the trek as a means of raising money for their fantastic cause, and to perhaps make a small difference to a country that holds a huge place in my heart.

The trek is going to be tough. It's the highest freestanding mountain in the world and it takes 7 days to reach the summit (almost 6000m).  Many people who attempt the climb suffer from altitude sickness and exhaustion. Between now and September I will be doing some serious training to get my fitness levels up. I am slightly scared, but incredibly excited by the challenge. I will be paying an amount towards the trek myself but on top of that I need to raise a minimum of £4000. All donations on this site will go directly to Umthombo via the Amos Trust (their UK partner), some of which will go to cover costs. It's a huge amount of money, and very daunting, but with your support I know it's achievable. 

Any donation you are able to give, big or small, would be MASSIVELY appreciated. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Umthombo 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.

You can find out more at www.umthombo.org and www.amostrust.org and watch a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3-cWyuvBYk and www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN_6ExBmsvg.

Amos Trust supports various projects around the world, but all the money that I raise by doing this will go to Umthombo Street Children.

Thank you all SO much in advance. I really appreciate your support.

Rachel xxx