A man from Berkshire is taking on the challenge of walking 56 miles up Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise funds for the NSPCC.

Neal Shipman from Maidenhead, Berkshire, begins his epic climb on 24th September with five other friends and aims to complete his journey in just eight days.

The trip is self-funded and he hopes to raise a minimum of £1,000 for the children’s charity. He said: “I’ve wanted to do this walk for a long time and when my friend’s wife suggested it, I jumped at the chance. I also felt the challenge was great enough to raise some vital funds for the NSPCC as well.

“It’s too easy to see how many children are suffering in our country right now and the NSPCC does so much to combat this, I felt it was really important that I chose this charity as they have made a real difference to a lot of children’s lives and will continue to do so for many years to come.”

The funds raised by Neal could help the charity reach more children in Berkshire and across the UK, through services such as Speak Out Stay Safe

Last year 18,912 children in 77 schools took part in the NSPCC’s online Speak Out Stay Safe (SOSS) programme in Berkshire. SOSS teaches children how to recognise abuse and neglect, helping them to speak out if they’re worried about anything.

Since the NSPCC Schools Service first began in 2011 until 31 March 2023, they have visited 90% of the 24,610 UK primary schools at least once and are working hard to reach the remaining schools, as well as revisiting schools.

Sarah Laffling, NSPCC Fundraising Manager for Berkshire, said: “It’s inspiring challenges like this that show us how our own life experiences could benefit others. Not only is Neal embarking on a great adventure he could also be making a huge difference to children’s lives.

“We hope the local community will support him on his endeavour and we’re really looking forward to seeing the pictures after he has finished his climb.”

To support Neal on his climb up Mount Kilimanjaro please visit: https://bit.ly/48nBW1i.