Rugby fans invited to join virtual Kilimanjaro challenge alongside Saints expedition
Former Northampton Saints players to scale Africa's highest mountain for youth charity projects
Rugby fans are being invited to take part in a virtual climb of Mount Kilimanjaro this September as the Northampton Saints Foundation prepares for a fundraising expedition to Africa's highest peak.
From 14th to 23rd September, a team including former England and Northampton Saints players will attempt to reach Uhuru Peak via the Lemosho Route, trekking through rainforest, moorland and alpine terrain on the mountain's western side.
The expedition is aimed at raising money for the Foundation's youth programmes, which focus on education, employability and social inclusion across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.
Alongside the trek, supporters can sign up to a Virtual Kilimanjaro Challenge, completing the equivalent 42km distance over the course of September by walking, running, cycling, swimming or hiking.
Matthew Robinson, head of fundraising at Northampton Saints Foundation and one of the climbers, said the virtual event was created to make the challenge accessible to more people.
"The virtual trek is incredibly important because it provides that inclusivity that we really want to offer as a foundation," he said.
Participants will be able to follow the expedition's progress through updates linked to the real Kilimanjaro route, receiving information about the terrain, camps and milestones reached by the team in Tanzania.
"We've got automatic emails that go out when people hit certain milestones, so they can envisage the terrain we've been walking through and the camps we've reached," Robinson said.
He added that supporters can complete the challenge however they choose.
"Some people might think that's a marathon and want to run it in a day. Others might do it through their daily dog walks. It really is up to the individual."
Robinson said knowing people back home were taking part alongside the expedition would provide an extra boost for the climbers.
"Knowing that other people are back home and they're also rooting for us and doing their bit towards it is incredibly inspiring," he said.
To find out more about the virtual challenge visit:www.northamptonsaintsfoundation.org