Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues,

This year I will be raising money to support VSO's education and AIDS awareness work in Africa by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

I really need your help to reach my fundraising target of £5000 by March 2008.

As most of you know, although I love hiking - I'm not exactly a fitness guru, and climbing Kilimanjaro is serious stuff. It is the highest free standing mountain in the world at just under 6km at its peak. The climb takes 6 days (including a 16 hour trek on the last day). I will train hard - and I'll be working hard for your money! 

VSO has been working in Tanzania for 40 years and supports education, livelihood and AIDS awareness projects. They send highly skilled volunteers to their projects who can make a substantial and sustainable difference to the lives of local people.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Voluntary Service Overseas 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.

Thank you so much once again, and please sponsor me online now!

Rahul