Charity mountain trek helps to raise over £3k
A DAD from a Northamptonshire village has raised more than £3,000 by pledging to climb the world’s highest freestanding mountain to raise awareness for a charity that has helped his step-son.
Graham Kennedy, aged 44, from Sidney Road, Woodford Halse, is preparing for a 10-day trip to climb Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, on March 17 in order to raise funds for Northamptonshire-based charity, Autism Concern.
Mr Kennedy, who works for Parcel Force, was inspired to train for the arduous 5,895-metre climb, by his step-son Sam, aged eight, who was diagnosed with autism when he was four-years-old.
“Autism Concern provides respite days and lots of other support for us,” he said. “We really wanted to recognise what they are doing for us and to raise awareness.
“Autism is something that is very much hidden from a physical viewing and sometimes people just assume he is hyper-active or naughty. There is quite a lot of prejudice surrounding it.”
Mr Kennedy has been training for the challenge by climbing many UK mountains and taking on walks where he has often been accompanied by Sam.
“Sam thinks I am old and fat but he is really excited about it. He is a really energetic kid and goes around telling everyone about it.”
Mr Kennedy added: “This is the personal challenge of a lifetime. For this reason, I have decided to cover over 85 per cent of the organisational costs myself.”
There has also been a lot of support for the charity drive in the village. Today a cookathon was set to take place at Sam’s school, Woodford Halse C of E Junior School, and on Saturday, February 5 local band Kickstart will play a charity concert at the Woodford Halse Social Club, in Hinton Road from 7.30pm.
To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/Graham-Kennedy1 or to follow the challenge visit: kennedymustbemad.blogspot.com
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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