Hi everyone,

This summer I am participating in a sponsored climb up Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. I'll be climbing up the Uhuru Peak, 5896m (19,344ft) via the Machame Route, which should take approximately 6 days. Although this is the easiest path to walk up, its quick ascent means that there will be little opportunity to acclimatise, so altitude sickness could potentially be a problem.

I am aiming to overall raise £2000 in aid of two educational charities, The Windle Trust and EdUKaid, both of which have their headquarters in England.  The Windle Trust aims to support refugees, from some of the most troubled parts of Africa, to go to school and university, in order to gain new skills and qualifications, with which they can improve their lives. The charity also has a programme which provides students with the opportunity to go universities in England. EdUkaid aims at improving and equipping primary and secondary schools in the south of Tanzania, the poorest part of the country. Very few children in this region move on to secondary schools, and thus they lack the knowledge and skills needed to improve their lifestyles. The website for this charity is www.edukaid.com.

Please sponsor any amount, however small, anything received will be much appreciated. All money raised on this site will go directly to the charity.

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

Thank you very much for your support.

Ed