Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am soon to depart on a career break for the ultimate adventure in Africa. In the first week of my trip I will be climbing one of the world’s largest free standing mountains, Mt Kilimanjaro, followed by eight epic expedition that heads south from Kenya via Uganda to Cape Town. The trip includes gorilla trekking in the jungles of East Africa, safaris to see the big five and my personal favourite, flying a Microlight over the Victoria Falls (Great African Expedition). But before I go on my adventure I wanted to take the opportunity to raise some money for charity while I take on Africa's largest Stairmaster (5,895 metres or 19,341 feet).

The charity I have chosen is Self Help Africa. Self Help Africa works with rural communities to help them improve their farms production and provide rural African communities with the opportunities to market and sell their produce.

There are several reasons I have chosen this charity. Firstly it’s not a hand out, it's a helping hand and to me that's important. Secondly Africa is the single most impoverished place on the earth and despite its natural resources its agricultural production isn't enough to feed half the continents population. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that food security in Africa is likely to be "severely compromised" by climate change, with production expected to halve by 2020. Whether you believe global warming is man made or not, it is happening. In a continent where 75% of the population’s daily livelihood is dependant on agricultural production, the next decade will likely be nothing short of catastrophic, Somalia being a recent example of the monumental challenges Africans will face. Finally on a personal level I feel an affinity towards Africa, not just due to my love of the outdoors or my Kiwi sense of adventure but because Africa is both the cradle of humanity and the victim of the worst of travesties that humans are capable of. It's a continent that has been ravaged and pillaged for centuries and it is my belief that we have an obligation to repay that debt. If you could make a donation it would be much appreciated, big or small. It will be going to a really good cause and will no doubt make a big difference. When you've got nothing, it doesn't take a lot to make a significant difference.

On a more positive note Kilimanjaro is regarded as one of the most beautiful mountains on the earth, where else can you walk though 5 different geographies and eco systems in a single week. Here is a quick guide to the mountain Kilimanjaro.

Oxygen at the top is 40% of what it is at sea level so it will be pretty strenuous. Even more so due to the challenge in preparing, with a clear lack of mountains in the UK (can you tell I’m from NZ), the only training area I can find within two hours of my house is 260m, or 1 /22nd of Kilimanjaro.

My workmates may have noticed the 27 deliveries I have had over the last week, I don't work for Royal Mail, those are supplies. Admittedly a hammock, a 300 page survival guide, Para rope and a few Bear Grills pieces of kit are probably not essential (Fishing line on Kilimanjaro????).

Lastly to contribute something a little more then sheer exhaustion, I will also offer something a little more tangible and clipper my head at the end of the week for good measure. That may not sound like much of a sacrifice, but in all fairness my head is not 100% symmetrical, as you will see, so a commitment that is.....……... As much as I would have loved to spend my weekend cooking to raise money, trust in knowing that you are better off with out food poisoning.

If you could make a donation for a worthy cause it would be much appreciated, big or small, it will be going to a really good cause and everything is appreciated.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. You can make a donation from any country by Visa / MasterCard, credit or debit, or PayPal if you have an account. If you are based outside of the UK please do not select the gift aid option as it’s only applicable to UK tax payers. Donations are sent directly to the charity, so it’s the most efficient way to donate.

Thanks

cott