From Test Match Special to Mount Kilimanjaro in support of C4C

Aug 24, 2010

Alison reached the summit of Kilimanjaro in the early hours of the 30th August and managed to raise over £1,200 for Cricket for Change!   Read more below on the story behind the headline:

On Thursday 19th Aug. 2010 at The Oval, the Test Match Special team, including Phil Tufnell, Cricket for Change President, and Jonathan Agnew were presented with a cake by Alison Gerry, who is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, whilst kindly raising funds for Cricket for Change (C4C).  

We spoke to Alison to get a bit of an insight into her climb and support of C4C and this is what she had to say:

‘When I decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro I thought it would provide a great opportunity to raise some money. I wanted to find a charity that focused on young people, and being a big sports fan (especially cricket) and believer in the good it can do, I chose Cricket for Change.  Sport, especially team sport, for me, is something that creates opportunities to mix with different people, develops very important skills – not least how to work with others, communication and leadership skills - and can be a means to improve self-esteem.

All of which young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with disabilities, will benefit hugely from. I have always played a sport of some kind and this is probably because when at school I grew to love sport, playing as many as I could, and this love continued into my adult life.  So I think it is great to encourage young people to get involved in sport as it is likely to be something that stays with them for life.

I was absolutely delighted that I got invited to meet both Aggers and Tuffers in the TMS box, and it was fabulous to get the chance to make an announcement live on air about the fund raising, and for Tuffers to explain all about the fantastic work that Cricket For Change does.’

Alison sets off to Tanzania on Tuesday (24th Aug. 2010), begins the trek on Wednesday and her final ascent to the top starts at midnight on Sunday night, so all being well she will be at the summit in the early hours of Monday morning.

The whole team at C4C would like to thank Alison for her support and wishes her well on her trek. We look forward to catching up with her on her return to the UK for a post climb report.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE C4C '3 PEAKS CHALLENGE' in 2011

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