We are FCC - Nº7

P E O P L E S 26 P E O P L E S The regional manager of FCC Envi- ronment UK’s southern landfill sites climbed the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds for the charity Make a Special Kid Smile (MASKS). On September 8, Mark embarked on a blazing trek through Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa at an altitu- de of about 5,900 meters. Despite the high altitude and icy tem- peratures at the summit, Mark was determined to complete the challen- ge of his 50th birthday that he had agreed to participate in after celebra- ting it with his friends. MASKS, founded in May 2005, is a charity that supports the Federation of Special Schools in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. MASKS supports the emotio- nal and physical well-being of the individual child and their families/carers, by using funds raised to provide opportunities otherwise unavailable to them, helping them to realise their potential by giving them social experiences which will build their confidence, support their educational advancement and encourage as much future in- dependence as possible. Mark completed the eight-day walk on September 15, reaching the sum- mit after a seven-hour all-night hike. With this feat he has raised around £2,200, double what he initially ex- pected. From this money will benefit the charity MASKS, which helps two special schools in Buckinghamshi- re improve the lives of more than 300 children with a range of special needs. Mark, thanks his family, friends and colleagues for all the support received. Mark Cheetham , climbs Kilimanjaro to support a charity About MASKS