Sixty Virgin Atlantic staff today completed their climb of Mount Kenya and in doing so have managed to raise over £35,000 to support Virgin Atlantic’s adopted Sikirar village.

Day three of the climb saw the group having to battle through a snow blizzard on the mountain. The snow came in rapidy covering the mountain and lasting for the remainder of the climb. As conditions continued deteriorating quickly they pushed on through but as the atrocious weather began to really take hold, some staff had to turn back, whilst some others were able to continue.

The experienced climb guides said that the conditions were the worst climbing conditions they had ever seen on Mount Kenya and those who made it to the summit had to endure ice covered slopes, vertical rock faces and the relentless snow before finally reaching their goal.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive for Virgin Atlantic, commented;

"I am very proud to see that so many staff took part in this gruelling challenge and were so determined to reach the summit battling through these treacherous conditions. The fact that so many of them completed the climb really shows the true determination and tenacity of all the staff involved it is both admirable and also is an inspiration to others. It means that now we are able to use the proceeds of their efforts to make a real difference to our Kenyan Village.

Captain Chris Hall of Virgin Atlantic who has led the fundraising effort commented:

"This climb has been one of the most difficult I have participated in but the whole experience has been amazing from start to finish. The snow blizzard added extra unplanned for difficulties but the fact that so many staff really battled to overcome these odds and achieve their goal is admirable.

"What has been achieved today will benefit the village for years to come by and the Massai and Kipsigi communities really did spur everyone on. There are so many great memories for everyone involved but the real lasting memory will be for those who live in the community who this will make a huge difference to."

For the next three years Virgin Atlantic is working in partnership with Free The Children to raise money to support communities. Virgin Atlantic’s will see the airline adopting three villages in Kenya, China and India over the course of the three years and making sustainable change for those communities over that time.

The initiatives within the community that will directly benefit from the funds the staff have raised from the climb include the building of classrooms and provision of text books, school kits, desks, chairs and blackboards in addition to the construction of clean piped water for the whole community along with new latrines, handwashing stations.

Founder of Free The Children, Craig Kielburger, commented;

"Free The Children is delighted that so many Virgin Atlantic staff have given up their own time to take part in this challenge arranged by Captain Chris Hall. It is rare to have such an inspirational group of people who really go a long way to in helping to break the cycle of poverty for thousands of families around the world."

The village of Sikirar has a population of 2,200 Massai, Kisii and Kipsigis people. A famine hit the village 5 years ago and usually reoccurs every 2 to 3 years affecting crop growth leading to extended health and financial issues. 95% of the population of Sikirar is living on less that $1 or $2 a day and the average life expectancy is 48 years for men and 46 for women.

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on +441293 747373 or log onto www.virginatlantic.com