My name is James Morrison and I am 29 years of age. I am currently studying Mental health nursing at Anglia Ruskin University. I fell into this way of life by accident but I am so glad to be doing what I am doing now and how far I have come.

When I was just 17 I was left with a very serious head injury and had profound problems for not only me but also my family and friends to deal with. I was in such a bad way that some of my family just could not bring themselves to come and visit me in hospital whilst I was there – I could not walk, talk, eat or even function properly without someone or something there supporting me.

I returned back to college at the age of 23 to retake my GCSEs: English, Maths and Science, before going on to do a pre-access course, leading onto a Btec course and then currently to university to finish and complete my degree in nursing. If all goes well, I hope to get my Master’s degree in the mental capacity act 2005.

At present I also work with adults with a learning disability and challenging behaviour. I have worked there for about 3 years and really enjoy myself, helping them have the best lives possible. It also helps that I have built up a good rapport with each service user, therefore they trust me and feel safe with my presence. I only work bank staff so only get to work a couple of times a month as I have university commitments. 
 

I am quite sporty and I ran a marathon along the Flitch Way, Braintree, Essex on New Year’s Day. That in itself took commitment and dedication to train for, but I was determined and managed to carry this out, eating and training well, being able to complete the 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 20 minutes.

I am a former Hedingham School pupil of Great Yeldham, I have started a new challenge and will be climbing up 5,895 metres to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in August to raise money for Childreach International. I am hoping to conquer the highest mountain in Africa to help disadvantaged children. The charity helps children in countries such as Africa, Asia, Latin America and the UK to help teach children their rights along with their health and how to know and recognise what abuse is.

 I need to raise £2,895 by July 2016 before I can undertake the climb in August 16th 2016. A breakdown of my trip: day 1 - I will be arriving at Moshi early in the morning and I’ll transfer to the hotel and rest; day 2 - Project visit in the morning, kit checks and pre-climb briefings in the evening; day - 3 Start the climb from Machame Gate. Camp at Machame Hut; day 4 - Trek from Machame Hut to Shira Hut; day 5 - Trek to Barranco Camp, via Lava Tower; day 6 - Arrive at Barafu Camp. Early dinner before a few hours’

rest; day 7 - just after midnight, begin summit climb. Reach peak after sunrise. Descend back to Mweka Hut, arriving by the late afternoon; day 8 - Trek to Mweka Gate and return to Moshi. Celebratory dinner in the evening; day 9-14 After breakfast, start independent travel time; day 15 Catch late night flight back to UK. I have not yet been to the country, but I have seen about their plight on the news and have also carried out lots of research. Climbing Kilimanjaro is going to be huge experience for me, but this isn’t for me, this is mainly for the children and their suffering.

Childreach Tanzania is a locally registered charity with its office in Moshi, Kilimanjaro. They operate at the community level, working in partnership with government primary schools and local communities to help improve children's access to healthcare, education, child rights and protection. Childreach Tanzania unlocks the potential of some of the most marginalised children in Tanzania. By breaking down barriers that stop them from living as children should, they provide thousands of children every year with a chance to transform their lives.

They work with children to help them advocate for their rights, to learn in a good school, stay healthy and most importantly, keep safe. When children and their families secure these basic rights, we see their lives changing and communities becoming stronger. Currently the work is in Kilimanjaro, Manyara and Shinyanga.

Chilreach work with the unsung heroes – people within communities who have been supporting the rights of children for years. By working in partnership with these local activists, they ensure that Childreach’s projects are tailored to what children really want and are entitled to.
 

Climbing this mountain would be an absolute dream come true for me. I have never done anything so extreme in my life before as climb a mountain. This will be something that I will remember for the rest on my life and even tell my grandchildren. I would also get to visit a school on one of the days to see how the money is being used and spent, as well as playing games with the local children and having a sing song with them. This would greatly empower me knowing what a great cause I have helped with and how I have assisted to change people’s lives for the better.

I would be so truly thankful for the help and support from anyone. This is such a great part of my life. I would give my free time to anyone for anything they may need, such as

a talk about the charity, or a talk about university life or anything that you feel is necessary.

Kind regards,

James Morrison