16-Year -Old Climbs Kilimanjaro for The Sparkle Foundation

On Saturday 10 October, 16-year-old Christopher will start a six-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The summit is 5,895 metres high. He is climbing for The Sparkle Foundation, and he means to reach the top.

I've always wanted to do something to support great causes.

This is the perfect opportunity to combine that with my passion for mountain hiking.

- Christopher


Climbing for Something Bigger

Kilimanjaro is not a climb to take lightly. Christopher estimates that around 40% of climbers on the six-day route never reach the summit, because of the altitude, the cold and how tired you get. He sees that challenge as a reason to ask for support. Every metre he climbs will help The Sparkle Foundation deliver education, nutrition, healthcare and community empowerment programmes for women and children in Malawi.



Earning Every Step

Christopher is paying for the whole trip himself. He worked as a waiter through the summer holidays to cover his flights, accommodation and local guide. That leaves every dirham donated free to go to The Sparkle Foundation's work in Malawi.


From Etna and Dartmoor to the Roof of Africa

This won't be his first mountain. Christopher has already hiked Mount Etna in Sicily, and he spent three days hiking and camping across Dartmoor in England. Since then he has been training hard:

- regular gym sessions to build strength and stamina
- hikes in Hatta, where the terrain and heat test his endurance
- daily stair sessions at home to strengthen his legs for the long climb

Kilimanjaro is only the start. His ambition is to climb as many of the world's highest mountains as he can before he turns 21.



16 year old Christopher stands in a wide grassy landscape wearing hiking gear and a backpack, preparing for his challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and raise funds for The Sparkle Foundation's programmes in Malawi.


Making Every Metre Count

Christopher's goals are clear:

1. Reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.
2. Raise vital funds for The Sparkle Foundation's programmes in Malawi.
3. Show other young people that their passions can change lives.

Back Christopher's Climb

Christopher has done the work. Now he needs you behind him. Donate to his challenge and help him turn 5,895 metres into brighter futures for children and families in Malawi.

Support Christopher's Kilimanjaro Challenge


Follow The Sparkle Foundation on social media for updates from the mountain.

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