Howard Petch

At 68 years old I am thrilled to be joining the Blood Sweat and Compassion Kilimanjaro team in March. Coming from the flatter lands of East Yorkshire it will be a real challenge but one that I relish given the inspiring work that Compassion does. Together with my wife Shirley we sponsor two children through Compassion, Erica in The Philippines and Alemshet in Ethiopia. This adventure is about supporting those who irrespective of their background have the potential to lead and inspire others.

Date of Trip: March 2012

Howard is trekking Mount Kilimanjaro to enable four Compassion Leadership Development programme students to attend university. These students who have already overcome exceptional obstacles in their lives will, with the help of sponsorship, now have chance of a university education together with additional support including study materials, living expenses, leadership training and one to one mentoring. Recent graduates from Compassionâ??s Leadership Development Programme have gone on to become agriculturalists, biomedical technicians, business people, doctors, teachers, pastors and Members of Parliament. Just imagine what these four young people may achieve and the influence they could have in their own country if given that opportunity.

Fundraising Target: £10,000

As a former principal of an agricultural and land based college and with some continuing involvement in leadership development I am excited to be participating in this life-changing opportunity. I continue to be inspired by the impact of values based leadership and the effect it can have on so many people and situations, especially in a world crying out for direction and integrity. The young people selected to benefit from this initiative have the talent and ability to lead real change within their spheres of influence but having been born in to poverty they lack the opportunity to do so. Between us we can create that opportunity. Whilst taking on the fourth highest of the seven summits and the potential affect of altitude is a terrifying prospect especially for one of mature years, being able to contribute to the future of these young people makes it very worthwhile. I am committing myself to a demanding schedule of preparation to optimize chances of success and would really value your support.

Challenge Progress Report

I am pleased to report that despite illness and some unusually poor weather, including quite dramatic thunder storms and snow, I reached the rim of the volcano at Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on 8 March 2012.

While this is 210m below the highest point around the edge of the volcano, my body had used all the ‘fuel in the tank’. I do qualify for the certificate to confirm I have climbed Kilimanjaro and have therefore fulfilled my mission. The trip also included the privilege of meeting the young people we are sponsoring and two of the Compassion UK children’s projects in Kenya and Tanzania respectively. I can confirm that this is truly inspirational work and very worthy of the financial support we seek to provide. As a consequence, I am raising my financial target to £12,000 and thank you all for the very generous support I have received so far.

Fundraising Progress:

Make a Donation

Donation of £25.00 by George Dunn

Fantastic Howard - all the very best! God bless.

Donation of £25.00 by Tenant Farmers Association

All the very best from everyone at the Tenant Farmers Association

Donation of £20.00 by Gordon

And they say I'm crazy! I admire the optimism and hope it's not misplaced!

Donation of £25.00 by Jeanette

I'm only glad that you are finding the time Howard; but only you would use it to join a Kilimanjaro team treck!

Donation of £50.00 by Leslie Morley

You are indeed very crazy! The very best wishes.

Donation of £25.00 by Simon Martin

You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!

Donation of £25.00 by Philip Talbot

Good luck!!

Donation of £25.00 by Nice one Howard - go for it!

Howard, you must be barmy - but what a good cause! - Best of luck

Donation of £25.00 by David Slater

It's tough at the top, but go for it Howard!

Donation of £25.00 by Andrew Faulkes

Be Careful

Donation of £25.00 by Ben & Kate Dale

When there's a mountain to climb Howard, you are the man to find a way to climb it!

Donation of £20.00 by Stephen Fell

Good cause - good luck!

Donation of £10.00 by David Shaw

A fantastic challenge and a great cause! Best wishes to you and your wife.

Donation of £25.00 by Pauline & Ian Broadwith

Best wishes

Donation of £25.00 by Bryan Jarvis

You always did aim high! Every blessing.

Donation of £50.00 by Mike and Pam Sellers

Good for you at our age, and best wishes to Shirley for letting you go

Donation of £25.00 by Richard Ellison

All the very best Howard

Donation of £40.00 by

Donation of £20.00 by Richard Childs

I think I owe you this, Howard. Best of luck. Richard Childs

Donation of £30.00 by Jill Hopkinson

Wow - this is amazing, have a great time

Donation of £50.00 by David

I'll be right behind you Howard ( in thought only ! )

Donation of £20.00 by Simon and Liz Hudson

Brilliant and bonkers! Good Luck Howard

Donation of £20.00 by Jim Cox

Good luck!

Donation of £30.00 by Graham Jones

Inspiring! The work of Compassion - and what you're doing! Enjoy!?

Donation of £20.00 by Richard Frith

Crazy but admirable!

Donation of £100.00 by Yorkshire Agricultural Society

Good Luck, enjoy and we look forward to hearing all about it

Donation of £50.00 by Julian & Sheila

As you're only 68 Howard, it's a breeze! Enjoy the experience.

Donation of £1125.00

Donation of £20.00 by Peter and Jean Nimmins

Very good luck Howard, we will be thinking of you.

Donation of £50.00 by Val and Brian Holmes

You pick them up .Lord, I'll put them down. Keep those feet going and come back safely.

Donation of £34.00 by Jane and John Papworth

We are very proud of you for taking on this challenge!

Donation of £25.00 by Jill Hardman

All the best Howard - enjoy this!

Donation of £255.00

Donation of £20.00 by Tony L

The ultimate challenge? Good luck!

Donation of £100.00 by Brian and Thea

What an amazing undertaking. All the very best. We will be thinking of you

Donation of £25.00 by Bob and Aly Baker

it is only 19 and half roseberry toppings well done most of us strugle once .

Donation of £30.00 by Elizabeth and Norman

Very inspiring well done

Donation of £30.00 by Graham & Amanda Bulmer

Good Luck !

Donation of £50.00 by Gav

I expect a good picture from the Top

Donation of £25.00 by Mike Brammer

Good luck Howard

Donation of £25.00 by Jim Hope

Travel well, return inspired

Donation of £500.00 by Shirley

Take care

Donation of £200.00 by Mervyn and Margaret

Best wishes for a safe journey and successful return

Donation of £10.00 by Shirley

May the peace of the Lord Christ Go with you, wherever he may send you

Donation of £170.00 by Cheque

Donation of £50.00 by Arthur BRAZEL

Best wishes. Thinking of you. Arthur

Donation of £10.00 by Jill and David Winter

Best wishes Howard

Donation of £25.00 by Prue Blake

Best of luck, Howard - if you can do Millington you can do Kilimanjaro!!!!!

Donation of £30.00 by Michael Winter

Good luck Howard. You are a braver man by far than I.

Donation of £100.00 by Rachel & Stephen Prest

The view from the top will be worth the effort Howard!

Donation of £15.00 by Adam Lavis

Hope the early morning walks are going well!

Donation of £25.00 by Christianne

The Lord bless you and keep you Howard.

Donation of £100.00 by Geoff & Deb

Not over hill yet then! God bless.

Donation of £25.00 by John Usher

An inspiring effort and such a high aim.Good wishes.

Donation of £100.00 by Craig

Go for it Dad - remember to enjoy it!

Donation of £40.00 by Liz & Alan

Lent support - May the good Lord go with you

Donation of £2000.00 by Bishop Burton College

Donation of £200.00 by Richard Longthorp

And I always had you down as a sensible sort of chap! All the very best and enjoy

Donation of £20.00 by Ian Johnson

Go well Howard, and all strength to your legs!

Donation of £30.00 by Tricia

Sorry not to get this online before you went. You have been in our thoughts and prayers and I pray that you have known the presence of God in every difficult step and every breathtaking view, in the friendship of others and the team spirit of the gr

Donation of £250.00 by Tracey

Well done Dad; I am proud of you

Donation of £30.00 by Mark Shucksmith

More Uplands...? What an amazing feat! Well done, Howard.

Donation of £30.00 by Ian Kibble

Congratulations, Howard

Donation of £25.00 by

With best wishes - Dave, Mary, Sandra and Tracey Parkinson

Donation of £250.00 by Liz Philip

Good luck from your friends at Askham Bryan College

Donation of £100.00 by Peter Harrison

Well done

Donation of £20.00 by Cath Milnes

Well done Howard, a fantastic achievement

Donation of £25.00 by

Well done Uncle Howard - quite a feat!

Donation of £500.00 by Stokesley Agricultural Society

Donation of £30.00 by Denis and Gene

Congratulations Howard

Donation of £100.00 by David and Ruth

Congratulations. Hope you get the target

Donation of £1945.00 by Cheque

Donation of £500.00 by

Good to have you back

Donation of £80.00 by St Michaels Church

Donation of £100.00 by Adrian and Christine

Well Done Howard

Donation of £100.00 by The Staff Team at the Legard

Congratulations and Well Done

Donation of £20.00 by Susie Knight

Well done Howard!