Conquering Kilimanjaro for Lionsraw
Next month, Wade Financial's Ian Little will be trekking up Africa's highest peak, raising money for the Lionsraw charity in the process.
On Monday 8th July, Ian will be scaling Tanzania's Kilimanjaro. The dormant volcano stands at over 19,000 ft, and counts as one of the world's Seven Summits. In climbing the mountain, Ian will be following in the footsteps of Cheryl Cole, Dan Walker, Ed Balls and Fearne Cotton.
“Climbing up Kilimanjaro has long been a personal ambition, and I can't wait to get out there and do it,” says the financial planner. Ian has undertaken similar challenges before, raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care via a self-funded trek across the Canadian Rockies, and is keen to do the same for Lionsraw, a charity which channels the power of football fandom into positive action across the world.
“Trekking the Rockies was another passion of mine, and it afforded me the opportunity to raise money for a great charity like Marie Curie as part of my personal holiday. Lionsraw is another charity close to my heart, and one we've worked with and supported for many years. Given that Lionsraw have worked extensively in South Africa, it makes perfect sense to raise funds and awareness towards that project.”
The charity, established in 2004, mobilises football fans at major international tournaments, giving something back to the local communities. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, a dedicated group of volunteers built an orphanage and a primary school in one of the country's most deprived areas, helping provide education, care, nutrition and sanitary conditions for thousands of children.
“The charity is one of the best examples of how to best use the power of football to make a huge impact on communities and individuals,” explains Ian. “Lionsraw deals directly with the local people, bypassing governmental bureaucracy and enriching people's lives. The legacy on the project is truly astounding; the Steven Davison Primary School will be a hub for young students for years to come, and more building work is set to take place next year.”
Ian has been hard at work training for his toughest challenge yet. “I've been working hard on my endurance, and have even picked up an altitude mask to replicate the lack of oxygen up there,” he says. “It only cost thirty quid off the internet, but it certainly seems to be working – especially when I'm on the treadmill!”
Everyone at Wade Financial is impressed with Ian's drive and Lionsraw's mission. That's why we're matching any funds raised by Ian with up to £1,000 of our own funds.