Rugby stars join Northampton Saints Foundation charity climb to Kilimanjaro
Expedition aims to raise funds for youth empowerment initiatives
This September, the Northampton Saints Foundation, joined by former England and Saints rugby players, will embark on an inspiring climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
The extreme mountain expedition aims to support the Foundation’s work, with each participant raising money for its community youth projects.
Scheduled from 14th-23rd September, the climb will follow the iconic Lemosho Route, taking participants through rainforests and glacial peaks on their journey to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
The organisers say the heart of this adventure is a commitment to funding the foundation's youth initiatives, focusing on education, employability, and social inclusion. The goal is to empower young people with pathways to success and personal development.
Matthew Robinson from the Northampton Saints Foundation expressed the importance of the expedition:
"It's more than just a physical challenge; it mirrors the challenges faced by young people in our community. This climb will help us raise funds to continue providing meaningful programmes that foster education and create significant opportunities."
Legend Expeditions, working alongside the Foundation, plans to connect with the Children of Kilimanjaro Orphanage situated at the mountain's base, providing supplies such as pens, books, and sports equipment as a gesture of support.
Robinson shared enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge, which will see around 15 participants, including former Saints players like Tom Wood, take on the expedtion:
"The adventure is life-changing, it’s a chance to contribute significantly while experiencing one of the world's most incredible challenges." He said.
Through this unique expedition, the Foundation says participants will help ensure the continuation and expansion of the Foundation's impactful programmes, supporting young people as they navigate their educational and personal growth.
Robinson said the climb will bring a range of environmental challenges. “We’ll walk through several different environments,” he explained.
At lower levels the group will face heat, but conditions change dramatically near the summit. “When we near the top, you’re dealing with extreme cold,” he said, adding that the contrast between the base and the summit is “quite vast.”
To find out more about the Kilimanjaro climb and other projects visit the Northampton Saints Foundation's website.