In 2014, the Raven Russia team climbed Kilimanjaro in support of Standing Voice. As well as raising a significant amount of funds for a wonderful cause it also turned out to be an amazing experience (photos below). When we hit the summit of Kilimanjaro at sunrise we could see the peak of Mount Kenya piercing the clouds across the border. So, four years on we've decided to do it all again but this time we want to see Kilimanjaro from Mount Kenya!

In early June, the Ravens plus a group of friends will be flying to Kenya  to continue our support for Standing Voice (www.standingvoice.org) which focuses on improving the lives of people afflicted with albinism in Africa.

Mt Kenya is an extinct volcano and at 16,355 ft tall, is the highest mountain in Kenya and second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro.  We will be starting in the low jungle lushlands of Kenya and building up to the rocks, ice and snow at the peak. On the last day of ascent we will set off at 3am for a final 5-hour climb in darkness to arrive as dawn brakes on the summit. 

We hope to reach the summit on International Albinism Awareness Day, in celebration of the cause we're climbing for: the devastating plight of children with albinism in Africa. 

As part of our trip in 2014 we visited one of the secure schools for the children and their positivity and lust for life in an environment that is stacked against them, from culture to climate, put our own fortunate lives into proper perspective.

So don't hold back on sponsoring me so that I can raise as much money as possible for Standing Voice!

100% of whatever you choose to donate goes directly to the charity as we have all personally paid for our own costs in association with the climb itself.

Have a read about the problems these children face below:

Albinism and Standing Voice

Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces melanin pigment in the skin, eyes and hair. People with albinism are pale, vulnerable to sunburn, and visually impaired.

In parts of Africa, people with albinism are often seen as curses from God. Witchcraft potions containing their body parts are believed to bring wealth and fortune. Sex with a woman with albinism is said to cure AIDS. These beliefs have caused 202 people with albinism to be murdered, and another 350 to be attacked and mutilated, across Africa since 2006. 

Most victims have been children.

Those who escape this violence face enormous challenges in accessing healthcare, education, housing and employment. The majority live short and cruel lives, abused and hunted for the colour of their skin. 

Standing Voice is working to transform this situation. Empowering initiatives in health and education are now reaching more than 3,000 people with albinism in East Africa: preventing skin cancer, restoring sight, and spreading understanding - giving children brighter futures.  

The charity is currently focusing its work on:

--     Providing a network of life-saving skin cancer clinics to 3000 people with albinism across Tanzania; in locations where its clinics have run longest, the charity has already reduced skin cancer by 85% 

--     Delivering training initiatives to boost income security and economic stability for hundreds of people with albinism and their families  

--     Using community theatre to transform hearts and minds in hundreds of remote towns and villages across Tanzania where the murders have been most prevalent

--     Providing low vision care to 2000 people with albinism across Tanzania, helping visually impaired children read the blackboard and get a fair chance at education

--     Working at the global level with the United Nations and World Bank to reshape policy and put the plight of people with albinism at the top of the international human rights agenda

--     Building a brand new Children’s Centre to reintegrate and care for the most vulnerable victims of abuse

These are the issues, the cause and the charity for which I will climb Mt Kenya.

Please help me with your sponsorship so that I can raise as much as possible to help these children. This is a unique chance to make a big difference. 100% of your donation will go to this cause.

www.standingvoice.org