A LOCAL man is preparing to tackle the highest peak in Africa to raise money for the Wessex MS Therapy Centre in Warminster.
While Andrew Maggs has taken on treks in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia it will be the first time he has tackled something on this scale.
Andrew said, “My wife is an MS sufferer and I’ve done things in the past – marathons and half- marathons – and I was looking for the next challenge. Someone suggested Kilimanjaro, and I thought it was a good idea!
“It’s all self funded, I’m not using sponsorship money to pay for the trip, so I’m hoping to raise as much as possible from the challenge. I am doing this to raise money for the Wessex MS Therapy centre, which provides therapies, advice and support to Multiple Sclerosis sufferers and their families throughout the region. I am selling my beloved Suzuki SV1000 motorcycle to fund the trip, so all money raised will go directly to help those affected.”
While Andrew has been busy training for the challenge, he admits the possibility of suffering from altitude sickness is harder to prepare for. “I’m quite apprehensive about it – I’ve been in contact with people who have done it in recent times and some have had quite horrendous encounters – the altitude is an unknown quantity.”
Andrew will be heading off to Tanzania on the 1st of September. You can sponsor Andrew at www. justgiving.com/Andrew-Maggs
The Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Warminster offers a wide variety of therapies including physiotherapy, reflexology, massage and oxygen therapy. For more details call 01985 217728.