Story

My Kilimanjaro Challenge for The Sparkle Foundation

I'm 16 and in Year 12 at Repton Dubai. On 9 October I'll fly to Tanzania, and on Saturday 10 October I'll begin a six-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. At around 5,895 metres, it's the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Mountains are my passion. My goal is to climb as many of the world's highest peaks as I can before I turn 21. I've also always wanted to do something meaningful for a cause I believe in, and this challenge gives me the chance to do both.

Why I'm supporting The Sparkle Foundation

The Sparkle Foundation is a Dubai-registered charity that supports children and families in Malawi through programmes in health, education, nutrition and community development. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, and Sparkle's work helps give children the chance to grow up healthy, go to school and build a brighter future. Climbing in Africa for a charity changing lives in Africa felt like the right fit.

The challenge

Around 40% of climbers on the six-day route don't make it to the summit, so this won't be easy. Altitude, cold and exhaustion all play their part. I'd love your support to push me to the top, and every donation will go directly to Sparkle's work in Malawi.

I've paid for the trip myself by working as a waiter over the summer holidays. That covers my flights, accommodation and local guide, so none of the money raised here goes towards my costs. I'll be travelling alone from Dubai and joining a group once I arrive in Tanzania.

How I'm preparing

I've been training regularly at the gym and hiking locally, including in Hatta. At home, I do stair exercises every day to build strength in my legs. The photos on this page are from Mount Etna in Sicily and Dartmoor in England, where I hiked and camped for three days.

Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot, and it will mean even more to the children and families Sparkle works with in Malawi.

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