Colin Brereton

"Poverty and malnutrition are two of the biggest problems facing the developing world today and the rapidly increasing global population is placing massive pressure on food production. It is vital that Africa becomes more productive both to feed itself and also to produce food for the rest of the world. Farm Africa plays an important role in East Africa by helping farmers to become productive, to secure access to markets, and to protect and develop the environment for the benefit of future generations. I am doing this trek, four months after I did the Bale Mountains trek in Ethiopia, because I want to see first hand the scale of the problems faced by the people Farm Africa is helping and because I believe we all have a duty to help them. Additionally, it will be a physical challenge and an opportunity to see unspoilt areas which are inaccessible to people otherwise. It will be an unforgettable experience."

Sponsor Colin

Paul Dillon-Robinson

"The primary reason that I am going is that Colin invited me and I have spent a number of occasions hearing him enthuse about the work of the charity. We have been friends for nearly 30 years and whilst we have an annual fishing trip, this is another chance to spend time together and doubtless relive our early days.  

My father was a farmer (and I have since been told one of the early supporters of Farm Africa) and was always keen to support other farmers, both with co-operatives as well with the development of crops and their alternative uses. In part this visit is in his memory, albeit 17 years since he died, and much of the interest to me will be in visiting the projects and, hopefully, coming back with a much better appreciation of the work.

The trek is definitely my one and only "late mid-life crisis" - I have never done anything like this before and am very unlikely to do this again.  However, it will certainly be a physical challenge and crossing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area promises to be spectacular.  This will be pushing me, hard, but if I don't do this now then I never will.

I have been very encouraged by the words of support (and donations) from a wide variety of friends, colleagues and any one else who knows me!"

Sponsor Paul 

Richard Macdonald

"I am looking forward enormously to the trek, but with some trepidation. I know it’s going to be very tough as I did a version of it three years ago and was completely shattered at the end. But it’s a stunning part of the world and I am so looking forward to going to see our Farm Africa projects again. Any pain on the trek will be easily absorbed by the knowledge that the funds raised will make a lasting difference to so many poor Africans. So, please do support us."

Sponsor Richard

Ed Mitchell

"Just over a week to go, and it is all feeling quite real!  A flare-up of an old injury to my achilles is limiting training a little, but I have managed some decent walks along the Ridgeway near my home in Oxfordshire and a few extra sessions in the gym, which I hope are going to stand me in good stead once we get going. I think I have got everything I need now by way of equipment, but I'm not so sure it will all fit in my bag. That is next weekend's challenge.....  Can't wait to get started."

Sponsor Ed

Miles Kennedy

“I was born on a small farm in Kenya, East Africa. I left when I was three (we went to live on an even smaller farm in North West Ireland, but that's another story). In my late 20s I want back to Kenya as a backpacker and decided to go and find the farm. My father gave me a list of names and rough directions and after some asking around I found the farm, the house we built and, remarkably, most of the people. I didn't know quite what to expect - we had been there during some difficult times - but I was absolutely bowled over both by the generosity with which I was received and all the stories about how the farm had gone on to sustain livelihoods, educate kids through to university and maintain the cohesion of the local community. 

The farm is now a collection of smallholdings producing a wide variety of produce including tea, coffee, maize, dairy and much besides. Farm Africa is dedicated to creating outcomes such as this. 

So, yes this trek is a holiday for me, but it's a teeny bit more than that as well. Every penny I raise will go towards helping impoverished and undernourished people in East Africa to help themselves. This is sustainable stuff - all donations make a real and lasting difference.”

Sponsor Miles

“I am passionate about the African continent so I signed up for the Tanzania challenge. I have received such a wonderful reception and hospitality on all my business and social visits so have been keen to give back and support an African charity for a long time.

I work for the NHS which would grind to a halt without so much support from dedicated staff from the African continent.

Farm Africa are very impressive. There are no handouts and through education & training farmers are able to help themselves and spread the word to their communities. It is wonderful to see the huge improvements to the working & living conditions and quality of life for the farmers.

Escaping the office prison to spend long days outside looking at stunning Tanzania scenery is a very exciting prospect! Some trepidation however concerning three consecutive days trekking around 18 miles each day with lots of  water to carry. It will be an extremely tough challenge but all for such an outstanding cause. A big thank you to all my friends & colleagues for their support and donations."

Sponsor Deborah

 John Mcelligott

"My interest in supporting Farm Africa stems from my childhood in East Africa and fantastic memories of safaris in the bush. So helping to raise awareness and funds for a charity which helps African farmers become more efficient in their use of land and provides them with the knowledge they need to generate sustainable incomes is important to me. It benefits the people, environment and the conservation of the wildlife.

I am really looking forward to visiting the Farm Africa projects in Tanzania, both the beekeepers and sesame seed farmers and understanding how they are utilising the expertise Farm Africa is providing them with.

The challenge of the trek will be tough but an amazing adventure, sleeping under the stars and hearing the lions roar, hopefully in the distance!!

Many thanks to all my friends for the good wishes and donations."

Sponsor John

Sponsor Gordon

Sponsor Simon

Sponsor Ann Marie