Thank you.....

August was a long time ago. What a journey was started by that little pop up advert in my inbox.  "Climb Kilimanjaro"...go on..you know you want to!!  Well I do want to, and in less than 48hours from now I will begin the final journey towards that goal.

On the way, I have been helped in so many ways by first family, and friends...by colleagues, and ex colleagues and by the generous spirit that is alive all around us, waiting to be tapped into.  Fundraising of any sort is a balance...how often can I ask? 

How much should I ask for?   Well, I needn't have worried!!

I was determined that the full cost of this adventure would be paid, without penalty or cost to my charity, or to the many people who have so kindly dipped into their pockets and who have made that decision to hand over their gift....and it is a gift.   I am delighted to confirm that 100% of the costs to take part in this adventure have been paid, not in personal donations, but by myself, or with the help of some corporate donations from friends at the Royal Mail, who through a matched funding scheme donated £200, and from local businesses Heavyweight Air Express, and Logistics solution provider Catalyst Logistics.

For the children, and young adults in Northamptonshire who are helped by the work of my chosen charity, Autism Concern...each £ that you have donated represents a chance.  A chance to be themselves, to enjoy security, support, and understanding in a world where chaos and conflict, confusion, and misunderstanding are common.  Together, you have helped to raise over £4000 in personal donations, or gifts.  Thank you!!

Children with autism require patience...patience, and understanding, a bit like Kilimanjaro... to borrow a quote from William Shakespeare "to climb steep hills, requires a slow pace at first" 

Six months preparation, and training ends tomorrow... a final rush round, maybe the odd moment of panic, but the bag is now packed, and I'm ready.

For Kilimanjaro, and for me, the wait is over!  On Friday, after a long flight we will greet each other, and in the early hours of February 25th I hope she will allow me to  stand on Africa's highest point, and to say a small thank you for her kindness, and a huge thank you for yours!!

This blog is over....I hope that you have enjoyed sharing the first part of my journey. A journey which has allowed me to enjoy some of the UK's most wonderful countryside,  where I have stood atop of Wales' highest mountain, in all weathers, 3 times.  I have enjoyed the Malverns, more local to me, but nonetheless just as beautiful, and a journey where I was smiled upon at Ben Nevis, the UK's highest point, on an October afternoon, which thought it was July, and high summer.

A journey that has introduced me to some inspirational new friends, and where our community has come together to enjoy great evenings of fun, and entertainment to help with my fundraising.  Where fate has allowed me to take on this trip with one of those new friends. 

Coincedence has thrown a curve ball, and we have caught it.  In a village of our size, who would have thought that two hithertoo strangers would be choosing the same goal....and how wonderful fate is that should allow us to enjoy it together? 

When I return, I will no doubt have tales to tell....but Kilimanjaro will no longer be waiting....

Thank you.  Thank you for your kind thoughts...for the encouragement, and compliments you have paid.  Thank you for the support you have offered, and for the donations you have made.

Graham :-) x