A teenager is climbing one of the world’s highest mountains for charity.
Mark Lawson, 19, from Wilmslow, is hoping to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Childreach International.
Childreach International is a charity that works in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the UK and helps protect the rights of children who are living in poorer countries.
They are most recently working with those affected by the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
Former Gorsey Bank Primary School student Mark has been fundraising for the charity over the past few months and hopes his climb will help him overthrow his target of £2750, which he has already reached.
He said: “The reason I’m doing this is because Childreach international is an organisation designed to help children from around the world fulfil their rights of health, safety and education and so far it’s managed to help over 700,00 kids.
“I’m extremely determined to give back to those in need. I’ve been so lucky to be provided with the opportunities that are available to me. But at the moment, over 72 million children of primary education age are not even in school.”
Mark, who is currently studying International Business in Nottingham, leaves for Tanzania on the 29 August to embark upon his epic challenge.
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, and Mark is planning to reach the top and head back again within six days.
Mark also plans to visit to a Tanzanian primary school the day before climbing the 5,895 metre high menace of a mountain.
Mark is appealing for local companies to donate to the cause in return for sponsorship.
He said: “If there are any local companies which would like to provide large donations, I would be more than willing to print their name and logo on my fundraising T-shirt and take photos and GoPro Videos with this T-shirt on whilst climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and also on a project visit to a Tanzanian primary school which I’ll be visiting the day before my climb.”
<p/>To sponsor Mark go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/marklawson. You can also follow his journey at facebook.com/marksclimb.
