To mark its 21st birthday, leading youth development charity Raleigh International is running a three-day team fundraising challenge on and around the shores of Loch Lomond in Scotland. All money raised from the event, which takes place from 9 to 11 September 2005, will go towards Raleigh's activites both throughout the UK and in the many countries around the world in which it runs expeditions. For more information about Raleigh International visit www.raleighinternational.org.

I will be in a team together with Shane Tennett (a friend with whom I climb), Gareth Biggins and Lauren Patrick (two friends from expedition in Chile in 1999 when I worked as press officer). We will be competing against another 39 teams including corporate teams from IBM, HSBC, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, BT and J Walter Thompson. Details of the challenge will not be released until the starter gun is fired, but over the following 48 hours participants will face about 19 different challenges including abseiling, archery, canoeing, running, mountain biking, hill walking, quad bike riding, JCB digger driving, a helicopter transfer, IQ tests and traditional highland games like tossing the caber!

For more information about the event visit www.raleighbraveheart.com and if you're interested in entering a team get in touch with emma@raleighbraveheart.com, previous involvement with Raleigh is not a prerequisite.

So please sponsor me and support Raleigh International's Motive8 programme which helps young people in the UK from 'at-risk' backgrounds rediscover their potential. Funds raised will also go towards the Host Country Venturer Programme, Expedition Logistics, Expedition Project Support and a UK Development Centre. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Raleigh International 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.
Pippa