119 mile climb over the Snowy Alps for charity

Surveyor and brother of Linkage service user to climb 119 miles for learning disabled charity.

Andrew Morris, brother of Rachel Morris, a service user at Linkage Community Trust, will be undertaking the Haute Route, a 119 mile journey right over the top of the snowy Alps, on foot and with skis (ski-touring), to raise money for the local charity, which he is so passionate about.

The 119 mile journey through snow and ice, from Chamonix to Zermatt, will begin on Sunday 18 April 2010 and it is hoped that it will raise a target of £25,000.00 for Linkage.

Andrew Morris, who is the Senior Partner of Arambol LLP said, “I am part of a six man expedition team embarking on this ski mountaineering challenge known as the Haute Route. It should take us six to eight days depending on the weather and age.” Forty six year old Andrew added, ”This is a very physical and demanding route, which is through some of the most beautiful and extreme scenery to be found in Europe. Over the course of the route there are many hazards including glaciers and their crevasses. The climb up each mountain commences by attaching special skins to the bottom of the skis as the slopes are so icy.”

Andrew has been training for nearly twelve months for this challenge and is very exciting to take part in something that he enjoys and to raise money for a charity that is close to his heart.

Andrew said, “Please donate to the charity which is close to my heart; (Linkage Community Trust). This very special charity offers lifelong help to people with learning disabilities and does everything in its power to enrich and enhance their lives, to make those lives full and purposeful and to provide the care, education and employment opportunities which maximise their independence and give them a real and meaningful future, the best future for each person they support”.

Linkage has been piloting real work opportunities for the last eight years and has proved that with the right support for each individual employment opportunities can be found. Although already in operation Linkage’s employment service does not benefit from Public-sector funding and relies on donations.

Andrew said, “By sponsoring me on this incredibly arduous expedition as I struggle with the elements and my own physical and mental challenges, you can help Linkage takeaway some of the challenges that people with learning disabilities face every day of their lives. Any large or small donations are welcome and I am assured that all donations will be spent with great care."

Andrew needs your help to raise £25,000.00 to help Linkage continue to provide and expand on real opportunities for people with learning difficulties and other disabilities. Therefore we urge you to have a look at his Just Giving web page; http://www.justgiving.com/haute-route, where you can read more about his exciting expedition and to find out how you can donate. Please also communicate this  web link to as many friends and relations as you can think of.  His target, £25,000 is ambitious, but the money would make a huge difference to the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Linkage has never had the fundraising income streams that charities such as Scope and Mencap rely on for all the extra opportunities they offer their service users, Linkage’s fundraising is only just beginning, and this would be an amazing start for them.

Linkage would like to offer a very big thank you to Andrew Morris for his support for Linkage as he undertakes this challenge.

For further information, please contact Naj Modak, Media Relations and Communications Manager on: telephone - 01472 372359, mobile - 07790559643 or email naj.modak@linkage.org.uk.     

To read more about Andrew's exciting expedition and to find out how you can donate please click here: http://www.justgiving.com/haute-route.