VIRGIN ATLANTIC STAFF SET OFF ON THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME

• 60 VIRGIN ATLANTIC STAFF TO CLIMB MOUNT KENYA TO RAISE FUNDS FOR KENYAN VILLAGE
  
  

Sixty Virgin Atlantic staff today set off from London Heathrow to fly to Nairobi in order to complete the gruelling challenge of climbing Mount Kenya. The staff including pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, are all embarking this expedition of a lifetime, which involves a climb up to the 5000 metre summit, in an effort to raise much-needed funds for Virgin Atlantic's charity village appeal.

The groups fundraising efforts so far have amounted to in excess of £34,000 being raised. This money alone will fund the building of classrooms and provision of textbooks, school kits, desks, chairs and blackboards.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive for Virgin Atlantic, commented;

"I am very proud to see so many staff rising to the challenge and giving so much more than just monetary donations. There is no doubt that the challenge will be gruelling at times but it also promises to be a memorable experience for all of them. The proceeds of their efforts will affect long-term change in the Kenyan village of Sikirar and I wish them all the very best of luck."

Upon arriving in Nairobi the group will head to the base camp where they will spend the remainder of the day preparing for the days ahead. The climb will commence early the following morning. During the four day expedition staff will enjoy the breathtaking views over the Teliki Valley and on a clear day may be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro.

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

"Taking part in something as special as this means that we have all been able to play a direct role in helping this worthwhile cause which will bring tangible change for this community The climb itself promises to be both challenging and rewarding. Everyone is really excited, and if a little nervous, about the climb and all the ups and downs it will bring with it."

The proceeds of the fundraising will help to support the airline’s charity partner Free The Children. In addition to the building of classrooms it will also fund the construction of clean piped water for the whole community along with new latrines, handwashing stations and education on water and sanitation. In addition it will allow for the establishment of mobile health clinic, health workshops and the Construction of community gardens and tree planting

Founder of Free The Children, Craig Kielburger, commented;

"Free The Children is impressed by the commitment of Virgin Atlantic’s staff in their efforts to help break the cycle of poverty for thousands of families around the world. It is through fundraising efforts like this that we can help communities overseas and empower the next generation of young leaders. I wish everyone taking part in the climb the very best of luck and look forward to hearing all about it when they have completed it."

The Kenyan village of Sikirar that will be benefiting from the funds has a population of 2,200 Massai, Kisii and Kipsigis people. A famine hit the village five years ago and usually reoccurs every two to three years affecting crop growth leading to extended health and financial issues. It is estimated that 45% of the village are under the age 18 with 270 school aged boys and girls. There is one primary school in the entire village which is inadequate because it lacks space and has crumbling classrooms. 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.

Formedia interested in doing interviews with Captain Chris Hall before, during or after the climb please contact the Virgin Atlantic press office.

Virgin Atlantic's Facebook site will have updates over the course of the weekend.