AN INTREPID Pershore teenager is getting set for his latest fund-raising adventure on a school summer holiday with a difference.
Pershore High School student Ben Atkin will be heading to Africa in August to climb the oldest extinct volcano in the region, Mount Elgon on the Ugandan-Kenyan border.
The charity challenge will see him and his father Ian jet off early next month where the teenager will spend a few weeks as an intern at a vet practice in Uganda.
After acclimatising to the African heat for a few weeks, Ben and his dad will then begin their 14,000ft climb on August 26 and aim to reach the summit on August 29.
It’s the second time in two years Ben has embarked on such a challenge to raise cash for the Blue Cross, a cause close to his heart.
Last year, the pair walked from Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath on the east coast of Scotland to raise £1,700 for the charity.
The determined duo covered up to 30 miles each day in driving rain and wind over bogs, moors and mountains to complete the trek.
The 15-year-old has volunteered with Blue Cross at its Pershore shop for the past two years, sorting out donated stock, filling shelves and checking DVDs and computer games for damage before they go on sale. He even steps in to wear heavy pet mascot costumes on shop open days
Writing on his Just Giving page, Ben said: “After our 212 mile walk across Scotland last summer for Blue Cross, I wondered what we could do this year that was a bit more adventurous.”
“At this altitude, the air is a little thin and oxygen depleted, so I’m hoping the perseverance that held us through last year’s walk will keep us on track,” he added.
Headteacher Phil Hanson said: “He is hoping to receive lots of support from fellow animal lovers to sponsor him as he raises money to help homeless, unwanted, sick and injured Blue Cross pets.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-atkin2 for more.
