In a couple of weeks I am doing the 24 hours National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for Nuevas Esperanzas. The challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in 'one go'. These peaks are Ben Nevis (4,409 feet), Scafell Pike (3,209 feet) and Snowdon (3,560 feet).  We will start by travelling to Fort William on Friday to climb Ben Nevis the next morning. Once completed, we will drive straight to Scafell Pike, walking late into Saturday night. We finish with Snowdon on Sunday. The aim is to complete all three climbs (up and down) in 24 hours.

Nuevas Esperanzas has been part of my life for nearly ten years. From our chaotic beginnings back in 2005, we have come a long way.  Our focus on promoting sustainable livelihoods for communities on the slopes of the Telica volcano (which has seen some explosive activity in the last few weeks - see my video on this page) has earned us funding from the European Union and our work with communities whose water supplies are contaminated by geothermal arsenic brought us funding from the World Health Organisation and international recognition.

Despite these achievements we are still "a small organisation working in a small part of a small country" and none of this would be possible without the support of a still small group of dedicated supporters.  We want to make a big difference to the communities we work with and we can't always fund the work which really needs to be done through grants from big donors.  Our dedicated team of mostly Nicaraguan staff are taking on more and more responsibility and as we work through some organisational changes, it is essential that we maintain our core funding. 

By sponsoring me for this event, you will be playing your part in growing an exciting and innovative charity which combines technical excellence and an 'evidence-based' approach to development with a genuine heart-felt commitment to come alongside some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in Latin America.  Our vision is not just that they are able to lift themselves out of poverty, but that they are able to realise their potential both as individuals and as communities.

Thank you for your support.