What do you do when you’ve already climbed up Kilimanjaro and across Everest's rain shadow and you’re ready for an even bigger challenge...?
How about grappling with Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya. The mountain is so massive that it creates rain in the surrounding area. Two Excellent Development supporters, James Docherty and Camilo Casas, are climbing the mountain this September to raise funds to combat drought in Kenya.
To support them, please visit their JustGiving page and make a donation.
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James explains:
“In 2005 I worked in Kenya alongside community groups in partnership with Excellent Development Kenya. I saw for myself how sand dams create a local supply of clean water and change people’s lives. Trees and vegetable plots transform the environment and enable people to start generating an income.
"Since then, the area has experienced a prolonged drought, and any rains that have come have been small, sporadic and insufficient to generate a harvest. In many cases the sand dam water is a real lifeline, but for many communities, particularly those without sand dams, the situation is critical, with vast areas now dependent upon food aid to survive.
"Looking ahead, I feel that if the communities are to survive this drought and future droughts we must continue to raise awareness and funds so Excellent Development can support more people to build sand dams.
"This is why I have joined together with my old friend Camilo and thought up the idea of the Mount Kenya Rain Dance Challenge.....
"We will be climbing the North Face of Mount Kenya to the summit of 'Batian' at 5,199m. It will be a real challenge! We will be climbing 'alpine style' meaning that we go in a straight line up the steepest route to the top in one push with all our gear on our back. We will have ropes to protect us from potential falls of hundreds of metres (not including the bounce!).
"Our goal is to raise at least £5,199 for Excellent, because the thought of £1 for each climbing move is probably the best way we can motivate ourselves to keep moving! Above 4,000 metres I expect it to become increasingly difficult to climb with our rucksacks on. We will need to grit our teeth and push on to the top to complete the challenge. See this website for more information on the route we are taking.
"To top it off, when we get to the summit, we will be performing a specially rehearsed and deeply spiritual Rain Dance (for the harvest in September-December this year). If you donate you will be lucky enough to see footage of the special dance!
"This will be the biggest challenge of my life and I hope that you can find whatever you can to donate to the cause. Anything you can give will be immensely appreciated.
"To donate online please go to my JustGiving page.
"Thank you!"
Meet the climbers:
Camilo and James climbed Kilimanjaro together in 2003. Their love of climbing began when they were in college together and joined the college Search and Rescue team. A few years later they climbed to camp one on the North face of Everest together.
Currently Camilo is living just outside Nairobi, and James has just left his job in the city of London to take some time out. They both hope to become doctors and are planning to start studying at the end of next year. Apart from this climb to raise funds for Excellent Development, James will be spending his year off volunteering for local medical organisations.
Please make your donation at James and Camilo's JustGiving page.