Thanks for taking the timeto visit my Climb Kili for Cornerstone Fundraising page.

Being keen on hillwalking is one thing, but how do you turn down the oppertunity of a lifetime to fund raise and make a dfference to people's lives..!!!  In October this year,  I will join a group of 27 other volunteers to climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Scotland-wide charity Cornerstone.

By climbing Kili for Cornerstone, I will be helping raise fund to support people with disabilities in the North-east of Scotland and enable them to lead a life that we take for granted. All the funds raised will go to support people in the Aberdeen area and around the North-east of Scotland.”  Cornerstone is one of Scotland’s largest charities and a leading provider of services for people with disabilities and additional support needs. Founded in 1980 by a group of professionals and parent who were concerned about the lack and quality of service available, Cornerstone has grown to support 2000 children, young people and adults throughout Scotland.

People like Ewen Ross who has learning disabilities and Down’s Syndrome which puts him at risk of gaining weight easily. A few years ago, Ewen hit a point where he was overweight but since then he has been working hard to stay fit and try new activities. Each week Ewen attends several groups and classes for his favourite sports including swimming, bowls and more recently karate.

During Ewen’s annual review it was discovered that he was very interested in martial arts and Cornerstone started searching for classes that could accommodate people with disabilities. Although no specific classes were available in his local area, a mainstream class was found at his nearby sports centre and with the help of his keyworker Linda and martial arts instructor Steve, Ewen has been warmly welcome by the group and attends weekly.

I start my Kili Challenge, departing from Scotland on Thursday, October 2. The 11 day challenge will see myself and fellow volunteers trek through farmland and tropical forest, cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo before the final ascent to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the Roof of Africa – begins. This will be the most demanding six hours of the enter climb but will be rewarded with breath-taking scenery and a huge sense of achievement!

I have already started my training regime for the Kili Challenge, and includes  3-4 visits to the gym every week, plus more hill climbing and Munro captures over the next few months.

As a guide to how much donations can help the Cornerstone charity:£5 allows a young person to take part in a fun recreational activity, £50 enables a person to gain work experience in one of Cornerstone's social firms, £100 provides a child with 24 hours of respite with a foster family when they are experiencing times of significant stress and difficulty at home and £2,500 enables a disabled child to have their own specially equiped wheelchair.

My thinking cap is on and I am starting to organise various fundraising activities but every little helps so thankyou for your donation which not only helps this worthwhile charity but your involvement also provides me with the  encouragement  and motivation to keep me going.

Thankyou again for your support.

 

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