In October 2008, as part of a small group of  intrepid 'middle-aged' professionals  I will be trekking to the summit of Mt Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. At 13,700 ft this is the highest mountain in North Africa.  The purpose of this expedition is to raise money for Afrikids, a Ghanaian children’s rights Non Governmental Organisation completely committed to making a difference to the lives of vulnerable women and children by helping them sustainably rebuild their lives. Their simple philosophy is: Listen to what the communities know they need; Empower them to make the difference themselves; Ensure absolute sustainability. 

The trek will specifically sponsor Operation Smiles which is a fantastic programme providing business skills/ vocational training and micro-finance loans to rural communities and single mothers in particular in the northern region of Ghana.  Our fundraising target for Operation Smiles is £26,000.  Our longer term aim is to support making the project sustainable including running the Nakuaabi Young Mothers' Centre, providing an electricity supply to the centre (through solar panels) and investing in projects which will ensure the long term sustainability of the centre eg setting up an organic mango farm and a cashew nut plantation.  While Afrikids are committed to making this project happen, at the moment this project is relying solely on our funding and therefore the more we are able to raise, the quicker this critical work will be able to take place. 

The trek has been organised by Alistair Turner, who I have worked with over a number of years, to celebrate his 50th birthday.

This will be a real challenge for me personally not least because of the altitude but also because of the primitive ablutions and sleeping under canvas for the first time in over thirty years! However I really believe in this inspirational charity and know that any contribution you can make will be really appreciated.

Should you wish to learn more about the charity, please click on the website www.afrikids.org.