I've returned from Tanzania after my attempt on the summit of Kilimanjaro. We set out on 9th April and arrived at the base of Kibo, the main peak on Kilimanjaro, on the evening on Easter Sunday 12th April. After a few hours sleep we started our final ascent to the summit at 11pm. After walking up 600m of scree I was over come by altitude sickness and had to return having missed the summit by 500m. I don't in anyway feel dissappointed. My summit was 5,360m which is 17,500ft.  Three colleagues made it to 5,500m and two made it to the summit.

Climbing Kilimanjaro was an extraordinary experience that I will remember fondly and proudly for the rest of my life. The cameraderie and support of my colleagues was superb and the the money raised for my two chosen charities has made the expedition so worthwhile.

If you have been considering sponsoring me I encourage you to do so now please.

Thank you so much if you have sponsored me already; it's a real boost to my preparation and to know that the two charities will benefit from your generosity.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Shooting Star Children's Hospice will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. If you prefer not to donate online please call me on 07970-483231. For offline payments you will have the choice of supporting either Shooting Star or a Children's charity in Tanzania, Malaika-Kids. Be assured that 100% of your donation will make a difference to the lives of the children, young people and families supported at The Shooting Star Children's Hospice.

I really appreciate your interest in our challenge and will try not to bore you with stories on my return…well not too much.

Thank you.

Paul ‘Nick’ Nicholson
Visit our blog here to see our progress including regular updates from the mountain. We will also be posting videos to our team website http://www.teamshootingstar.co.uk/#