Albert's climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in support of The Limbless Association

Albert Joseph is raising money for The Limbless Association

Participants: Albert Joseph

Story

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The Challenge: , 7-19^th September 2010

Yes, I know – this is not the kind of activity that most of you know me to take on. So for me it really will be a “challenge”! However, not as much as it will be for the person heading up the whole thing ... a great friend of mine; Ray Edwards (click here to hear some of his story from the man himself) .... or here to link to a recent article in The Telegraph

In 1981 Ray was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease (Cancer of the Lymph Glands) which he beat through radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. However, in 1987 he contracted septicaemia which resulted in him losing both his legs below the knee, one arm through the elbow and the other arm just below the elbow. Ray, who is blessed with a dedicated & loving wife and caring & supportive family, returned to walking again and making use of his prosthetic arms with ever-increasing proficiency.

It’s now over 11 years since I first met Ray, through our daughters who met up at Primary School when we moved to the area all those years ago. Over the period I have got to appreciate the person he is, the dedication, commitment and passion that he puts into everything he does and the inspiration he gives to so many.

Ray is now the acting Chief Executive of the charity “The Limbless Association” and is passionate about making people aware of amputees nationally and internationally. “Help the Heroes” has most recent increased the awareness of Services amputees. Whilst having the greatest respect for our heroes of conflict, Ray would like to raise the flag for civilian amputees and help create a better life for all amputees.

As part of his commitment to The Limbless Association, Ray is planning to become the first quad amputee to climb . I am planning to join Ray and a number of other amputees, along with other able-bodied members; in this challenge.

Our goal is to get the whole group to the summit at 5,895m, ascending over the course of 8 days, averaging approx 5-6 hours walking a day and along the way raising over £100,000 to facilitate a better life for all amputees.

The Limbless Association Kilimanjaro climb can now be found on the website here: http://www.charitychallenge.com/cc/charitychallenge/expedition_details.jsp?id=1209

The funds raised will go towards: Development of the Professional and Specialist Amputee Counselling Service, Dedicated Complaints and Advocacy Service, Parliamentary and Handbook and Educational DVD, Sports & Fitness Department, Education, Training, Sponsorships and Scholarships and Limb Loss User Group Network Research & Development.

I hope you agree that this is a worthwhile cause; one that I know will appreciate any donation you can afford to give.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.