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Climbing Kilimanjaro for The Access Project

James Shanahan is raising money for The Access Project

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro · 11 September 2026

Students from under-resourced backgrounds are three times less likely to make it to a top university than peers from more advantaged backgrounds. We support these students to access top universities through bespoke mentoring, skills-building coaching, tuition, and enrichment activities.

Story

On 10th September 2026, I'm flying to Tanzania to take on Mount Kilimanjaro - Africa's highest peak and one of the world's toughest treks.

I'll be climbing via the Lemosho Route on a seven day expedition that takes me through five completely different climate zones - from rainforest to alpine desert to arctic conditions near the summit. On the night of 15th September, I'll set off just after midnight for the final push to Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level, to watch the sunrise from the roof of Africa.

It's going to be physically and mentally demanding. Long trekking days, battling altitude sickness and a summit night that starts in the dark and finishes with one of the most incredible views on Earth. I'm doing this for a cause that matters to me and to my colleagues at Kaizen Reporting: The Access Project, which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds get the academic support and mentoring they need to reach top universities.

Every donation, big or small, goes directly to the charity, who help 1500+ students each year across the UK realize their potential. I'd be so grateful for your support as I take on this challenge.

For more information about the great work of the Access Project, see this link - https://theaccessproject.org.uk/about/

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Donation summary

Total
£5,344.07
+ £1,232.25 Gift Aid
Online
£5,224.07
Offline
£120.00

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