Kili update...
I did it! And believe me it was hard. By far the most demanding physical and mental challenge I have ever undertaken. Got hit by altitude sickness - which isn't nice - but thanks to the professional and inspirational qualities of my wonderful Tanzanian Guide, Amaeli, myself and and my 'summit buddy' Arvind, made it to the very top. Exhilarating and literally breathtaking!
And whaddya know? There's still time to donate to one of my chosen charities - which you can do in the secure knowledge that anythying you give has been hard earned!
Thanks for visititng... the original story foillows on below...
love and good wishes
Martin
Hello Friends, Relatives and Colleagues,
Last November, my boss at the time, Gavin Blyth, the inspirational series producer of Emmerdale, died at the tragically young age of 41. I have been muttering about ‘doing Kilimanjaro one day’ for some years, but Gavin’s passing precipitated one of those moments when the cliché becomes a simple but profound truth you feel you have to act upon. Life literally is too short.
Plus, as my other half, Gail, pointed out, it would be worth doing it while I still had the knees.
I had the trip booked within a few weeks.
So, I’m setting off for Tanzania on Sept 16th, and, altitude sickness allowing, I should be hitting the summit of Kilimanjaro some time on the 22nd September. I’ve been training hard – in the gym, and grabbing stamina building hikes when I can – and it would be great if you could sponsor me, in however small (or large) a way.
But this is where it gets a bit complicated. I wanted to split any donations two ways. Mental Health Research is a cause very close to my heart - as mental illness has gouged great chunks out of the lives of many people very close to me - but I don't feel that I can forget about Gavin, who metaphorically got me off my backside to actually do this thing.
However JustGiving won’t allow me to split my donations two ways on one page. If I want to do that I have to split myself into a team, sort of like a charitable Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
So this page gives you a choice. If you would like to donate in memory of Gavin Blyth, please follow the Leukaemia link. Alternatively you can sponsor me in support of Mental Health Research...
It’s completely up to you. Or, if you have the online energy to do this twice (!) and split your giving two ways, then that would be great too. I’m aware that it's a bit complicated, but both causes are important to me and it seems a shame not to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Thanks in advance - ! – and wish me luck.
(very excited)
Martin xxx
Remember: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never share them with anyone or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. They'll make sure Gift Aid (an additional 28%) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, too. That means more money goes to the charity, faster, with JustGiving.
