OLDHAM residents Chris Wareing and Julie-Ann Davies called into Mahdlo last week to share their training plans with Junior Zone members for their expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

Setting off on September 23, Chris and Julie are aiming to raise £4,500 for the Egerton Street youth zone.

They will be joined on the expedition by other walkers from Manchester Youth Zone, in Harpurhey, who are also raising money for young people in Manchester. Both youth zones are part of the highly successful OnSide network.

Julie-Ann said: “I found about the challenge last month when I took part in Mahdlo’s Three Peaks of Saddleworth walk where I met Chris who told me about his latest challenge to raise money for Mahdlo.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro has always been on my list of things to do and to accomplish one of my goals and raise money for such a worthy cause is a dream come true.”

Chris who is also vice chair of the board at Mahdlo added: “This is the latest in a series of challenges I’ve done over the years for Mahdlo.

“I’ve done everything from walking over hot coals to cycling 100 miles in a day. Young people today need all the help they can get, their futures are really important. Mahdlo is a fantastic place and the charity needs all the help it can get. If there are people out there who want to do something no matter what and raise just even £10, please please get in touch with our fundraising team.”

Lucy Lees, deputy chief executive at Mahdlo, said: “I just want to say huge thanks to Chris and Julie for raising money for Mahdlo.

“As a charity we have a huge fundraising challenge this year and need to raise £150,000 through our events and donations from the local community.

“”People like Chris and Julie undertaking their own fundraising challenge is fantastic, if there are people out there who would like to make a difference to the lives of thousands of young people and do something to raise money for Mahdlo, please get in touch with me or my colleague Claire, we’d love to hear from you.”

To sponsor Chris or Julie text MOYZ11 plus the amount in £ to 70070 or contact Lucy or Claire on 0161 624 0111.

The next fundraising event in Mahdlo’s calendar is the Winter Ball on November 10. Tickets are on sale now and start at just £75 with various other sponsorship packages available.