Monday 30th August and at last I have the motivation to update the web site!!
In the first two weeks of July 2010 I attempted to climb the highest mountain in Europe.... Mt Elbrus in the Russian Caucasus; at 18,500ft a little lower than Kilimanjaro (which I did in 2007) but with much more snow and ice.
It was hard but I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. After two days ascending and descending from 6,500 to 10,000 ft we moved all our stuff including food for 240 meals up to a hostel at 10,000ft. There were 13 in the party plus guides and a cook. Another day moving into the snow and ice covering vast lava fields and then after two more days of trecking up to 13,000ft to aclimatise, we bunked down in a sort of converted container at around 13,500 ft. From there a day up to 14,500 ft and then a days rest before attempting the summit.
Sadly I had also spent these days developing a heavy head cold which wasn't helping much so for summit day up at 3.30 am, a short ride on a snow cat, and off we set. Elbrus is an extinct volcano. The going was smooth but always steep and we spent most of the time traversing. The sun rose but by about 8am I had had it. A combination of total breathlessness and worn out legs forced me to turn back at about around 16,500ft. It was deeply disappointing.
The good news is that I have exceeded my target of £5,000 for the Zambia Orphans of AIDs. As I write, with gift aid we are at £5,300 and there are a few more pledges being called in! So please keep the money flowing - we really need it!!
With some friends - who also have strong links with Zambia - I helped found Zambia Orphans of Aids-UK in 2007. Our Mission is to enable as many orphans of AIDS as possible to reach their potential. We currently work, with our sister charity in the USA, to support over 2,400 orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia through 25 different projects. We work with small, mainly rural grassroots voluntary organisations who would ordinarily find it difficult to secure external funding. As the hon treasurer of the charity I promise you that every pound that you give will go to Zambia and be directly spent on supporting children. Our web site is at http://zambiaorphans.org/ZOAUK.htm
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they will never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they will send your money directly to ZOA-UK and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. Its a very efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please be as generous as you are able and donate now. It will mean a lot to me and those kids.
Thank you in advance
Jim
