Kilimanjaro Twenty12

£6000 TARGET REACHED ON 5 JULY 2012 SO I HAVE ADDED THE HEIGHT OF MOUNT MERU AND THE NEW TARGET IS £10,500 A £ FOR EVERY METRE OF HEIGHT I WILL BE CLIMBING OVER THE TWO WEEKS (THAT'S HIGHER THAN EVEREST!!!!)

My Story

On 14th August 2012, I will be starting a journey that I have dreamed of for many years. I will be traveling to Tanzania along with 20 fellow members of Kent Scouts, all aiming to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,985m, it's the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Why? Because it's there!

For those of you who know me you'll know about Stephen's fundraising adventure in 2007, but for those who don't here goes.

In January 2007, my son Stephen had plans to sleep in a tent for a year, and said, 'If I'm going to do something like this then a charity should benefit'. He raised over £5000 for Demelza House Children's Hospice and I didn't think I could be more proud.

In February 2010 my world fell apart. During a scout trip to Scotland, Stephen was killed in a mountaineering accident. He was 18. Since then he has inspired his friends to do something for others by stepping outside their comfort zone; an abseil, sponsored silence, a walk and even a skydive.

So this is where I take on a mountain and you come in. I would like to raise £6000 for Demelza House, in Stephen's memory. All I need is for 600 family, friends of family, friends or friends of friends to each sponsor me £10 and I reach my goal - £1 for every metre I will be climbing. Of course if you can spare more for Demelza House (Children's Hospice in Kent - Stephens Charity) I would be very grateful.

I have dreamt of this opportunity for years so to be part of a team of Scouts is for me, 'icing on the cake'. Stephen was proud to be a scout and so am I. Chief Scout, Bear Grylls said, "Every scout deserves an adventure", this is mine.

Kilima is Swahili for 'little mountain' and njaro means 'white' so if Stephen can sleep in a tent for a year I'm sure I can walk up a 'small white mountain'.

FINALLY: ALL OF YOUR DONATION WILL GO TO DEMELZA HOUSE AS I AM FUNDING THE TRIP MYSELF.

Thank you for your support, Jude