We are the Project Kilimanjaro team: Ben Lloyd, Sophie Ashing, Maisie Mead, Sol Gosine, Chris Olguin-Peasey, Cat Fearing, Will de Naeyer and David Bobak. And in August 2019 we will climb the world’s tallest freestanding mountain - Mount Kilimanjaro - for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

We have chosen Noah’s Ark as they are very close to our hearts; in addition, Sophie volunteers there. We are working closely with them towards this challenge and they are a loving, friendly and provide care and support towards the kids. They support over 160 children, throughout boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringay, Islington and Hertsmere, with life-threatening and life-limiting diseases and their families, but there are always more children that need their help. Through their “Building the Ark” campaign over the next couple of years they plan to build a hospice on a 7.5-acre nature reserve, which allows the children time and space to be children and not just patients. It will provide an inspiring space of relaxation, adventure and a place for children and their families to connect with others facing similar challenges.

At 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Our huge climb will take place at the end of August 2019 after we have finished our A-Levels. We will be climbing the Machame route in a seven-day ascent that will take us through both the blistering heat and freezing cold, in dense rainforests and extremely thin air; we could be climbing for up to ten hours a day, whilst sleeping in basic huts up the mountain. Over the next 15 months we will be training hard in the lead up to the event, practicing on the highest peaks in the UK like Snowdon and Ben Nevis, to build strength and fitness. We will also be holding some local charity events, such as fundraisers at our school, bag packing, cake sales, quiz nights and anything we can to raise money.

We would appreciate any donations towards our cause!