On Monday 8th July, I'm trekking up Kilimanjaro - and raising money for Lionsraw in the process.

The charity, spearheaded by football supporters, has been making a real impact on local communities off the back of international tournaments. Their work in South Africa has helped bring nutrition, sanitation, education and safe spaces to thousands of children.

Lionsraw work directly with these local communities rather than the bureaucracy of regional governments, allowing them to bring about more real and substantial change. What's more, they don't just leave an amazing legacy behind - they continue to provide support almost a decade on, with plans to build more classrooms and a sports hall next year.

I love a good trek, having walked the Canadian Rockies for Marie Curie in recent years. This is my toughest challenge yet, but one I'm relishing. I've been hard at work on the treadmill in preparation, and have even bought one of those altitude masks to help me acclimatise. It only cost thirty quid off the internet, but it certainly seems to be working! 

As this trek is part of a personal excursion, every single penny raised on here will be going straight to Lionsraw. In fact, Wade Financial will be matching any funds raised on JustGiving, doubling the impact we can have on African communities and schoolchildren.

Thanks for all your support,

Ian