Bed Push plan for Stephen and Irwin
TWO local men are hitting the summit in a brave attempt to scale Mt Kilimanjaro - the worlds tallest free standing mountain.
Irwin Holmes (48) and Stephen Fletcher (27) from Ballymoney are both aiming to trek the 5,895m (19,340 feet) next year to raise funds for BCFC Academy in Kitale, Kenya.
Not only is there the challenge of the climb, changeable environment and high altitude; there is the task of generating funds for various building projects at the Academy. The institution in the West Pokot district of North-West Kenya provides nursery, primary and secondary education to over 530 local children.
So far the duo have raised a staggering 1,200 each, however they are still miles off their goal of 2,750 each.
As part of their fund raising efforts Irwin and Stephen are holding a bed push event through Ballymoney on Saturday, September 22 and would like the support of the public and businesses alike for this great cause.
Irwin from outside Armoy explained: “We both have raised around 1200 each. But we have to raise at least 2,750 each plus a personal donation - we hope to do a lot better than that.
“I am a relatively experienced walker and have been trekking throughout the world for a number of years now. I have had the privilege of trekking the Inca trail in Peru, on the high Atlas Mountains in Morocco and in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas in Nepal. Closer to home I have walked the 100 mile West Highland Way, the 84 mile Wicklow Way not to mention a few hair raising climbs in the Austrian Alps.
“Fear and trepidation can be part of the buzz, pushing yourself when the going gets tough but there can be singularly scary moments, such as the time on the Annapurna trek when we came in contact with Maoist terrorists.
“Destination Kilimanjaro for autumn 2008 is my big chance to fulfil a cherished ambition and at the same time do something really worthwhile. Most importantly I want to raise money for BCFC school in Kitale in Kenya.
“The connection with the school began several years ago when my daughter Hannah’s teacher went out as a missionary teacher to the tiny school. Then last year my other daughter Sara volunteered to go out as part of a group to help paint the school and I felt that I could help further by raising some funds."
Stephen Fletcher added: “I have very little experience when it comes to trekking and hill walking, although I have been up the Donard a number of times, but nothing on the scale that faces us in the autumn of 2008.
“Challenges for the incoming year will be loosing weight and getting fit for the climb (I have a lot of training to do). I’m looking forward to experiencing Africa (somewhere I have always wanted to go to) and raising a lot of money for the Academy.”
Irwin and Stephen would like to thank three local businesses who have already pledged their support, McAuley Kitchens, Derek Archibald Vehicle Repairs and SJ McAuley Engineering.
If a business would like to help we can in return give free advertising on our website for at least a year and members of the public can also keep up to date with our fundraising events and training schedule on www.kilimanjaro2008.co.uk
If anyone would like to help in any way contact Irwin on 028 207 51866 Email irwin@kilimanjaro2008.co.uk or Stephen on Mobile: 07739 925394. Email: stephen@kilimanjaro2008.co.uk.
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Weather for Ballymoney
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
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Wind direction: South east
