Hi Everyone,

All that have seen me and know me will be wondering “how did it happen?” Very simple, on my way out of work, Ben and Amur asked if I wanted to climb a mountain inAfrica for charity. Being a very impulsive guy I said yes, signed up without thinking twice to this challenge. Then Avais came over and gave me a dose of reality. At this point I went on Google to check how high Kilimanjaro is and came across an article on how some people died climbing the same mountain a few years back. This would fill some hearts with fear but I felt this was an opportunity to change the lives of the people I’ll be helping and change my own life by battling my fears.

At 5,895m,Mt.Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes ever to break through the Earth's crust. My challenge is to reach its summit in a 10 day trek following the The Rongai route starting on August 27^th 2009.

The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and has been mostly unused for many years (I think the last time it was used was when my Dad was running away from my grandma’s rolling pin!). That’s where the challenge begins………

Kilimanjaro Challenge is a charity project for VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) set up by Accenture employees to raise money for African citizens who are affected by HIV & AIDS (http://treks.vso.org.uk/kili2009/challenge). Coming from an Asian/African background I am giving myself the opportunity to help the land that was the birth place for my parents and be able to witness first hand the beneficial effects of VSO's work inEastAfrica.

In aid of this charity, I will have to prepare myself mentally and physically. The first challenge being to quit smoking and then the latter being the biggest challenge, Mr. Fatty having to get physically fit to do this! I cannot do this without your support so please do donate generously! All money raised will be given direct to VSO, so please remember you are helping VSO to help the less fortunate and every penny counts. So no matter how small your donation, every sponsor is greatly appreciated. So come on people, put your hand in your pockets and help make a difference!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Voluntary Service Overseas gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

If you prefer to donate by other means please contact me on 07903674923 or email me on Vickesh.padhiar@accenture.com.

So please sponsor me now and thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Cheers

Vic