Never agree to anything without checking it out fully! when asked to climb a mountain for a worthy charity, I said yes thinking it was only going to be a few hours simple trekking. Then I got the details. The mountain was in Africa. It was big (It stands at 5,895 meters, about 19,000 feet, above sea level). The climb was going to take lots of days. I'd have to carry a bag all the way. I'd have to walk back down again (I hadn't really thought about this one).  Lots of  climate types - hot, cold, humid, wet. Lots of surfaces - steep, rocks, scree.  There would be a lack of oxygen that might (just might!) lead to altitude sickness. Crikey, I had signed up to climb Kilimanjaro! Here was I thinking I'd be strolling over the rolling hills of Connemara (West of Ireland for those not in the know).

The only catch in all of this is that I have to raise £3,000 towards the work of the Nasio Trust (Reg Charity No. 1104542).  They support kids orphaned by HIV in Kenya by providing care facilities and services. Read about their work on their website  at www.thenasiotrust.org.  Its a great project and worthy of support.  

They need to raise £30,000 in total to build a second purpose build centre and support even more HIV orphans.  Even the smallest amount will be put to good use - £10 will feed a child for one month, £20 will provide a child with clothes, shoes and bedding, £100 will keep a child at the centre for a whole year.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Nasio Trust 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.

So please give what you can.  It will help the Trust help the kids.  It will also help me get to Kilimanjaro.  Now if you could help me get to the top...

Many thanks for your kind donation.

Thomas