Ricky tackles African 3 peaks challenge
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Following his two-man expedition to the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan in 2006, Chartered Accountant and Glasgow Hawks rugby player Ricky Munday is facing up to a new challenge as he steps up his preparations to eventually scale Mount Everest in 2010.



Ricky, 31 , works as a Senior Analyst for Bank of Scotland Corporate, but in July and August next year he will be heading to Africa in an attempt to stand on the 3 highest peaks on the continent; Mount Stanley (5,109m), Mount Kenya (5,199m) and Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Following this, he plans to make an attempt on the world's sixth highest mountain Cho Oyu (8,201m) in 2009, followed by Mount Everest (8,850m) in 2010.



Prior to this challenge, Ricky will spend 4 months on secondment working in Thomas Barnardo's House Orphanage in Nairobi, which is currently home to 180 orphaned, abandoned and destitute children whose age ranges from birth to early twenties. The children are housed in 9 family units, each with a resident 'Mother. Most of the children attend the 'Jonathan Gloag Academy' situated nearby. Both the orphanage and the school are supported by The Balcraig Foundation and directed by Ann Gloag (a co-founder of Stagecoach plc). This secondment is supported by his employer Bank of Scotland Corporate. The Home is entirely reliant on donations and has a growing commercial department (where Ricky will be based), which runs a number of projects to generate income to support the home and reduce dependency.



The hard work will all be worthwhile for Ricky if he succeeds in raising £5,000 for The Balcraig Foundation. Ricky wants to use his experience to not only raise funds through his subsequent climb, but to make a positive difference to the lives of the orphans by being a positive role model during his placement in the orphanage.



"By necessity, the children have a number of strong female role models in their lives, including the House Mothers, and the majority of volunteers are female. It's important that they also have male role models and I hope to inspire the children to set their goals in life high".



"In 2004 I completed the 'toughest footrace in the world', the Marathon des Sables', so I know that I have the stamina and determination required to complete the climbs. Completing this made me realise that I could set myself challenging goals, and there is no higher goal to aim for than the summit of Everest. Furthermore, attempting to climb Khan Tengri (6,995m) last year was a massive step up in terms of scale and gave me great experience of existing in a hostile environment. Although we were unable to make the summit because of continual bad weather and the related avalanche danger, we did spend a night at Camp 3 (5,800m) and got back off the mountain in one piece and raised over £2,200 for good causes. The experience I gained on that expedition should stand me in good stead over the next 3 years."



Ricky has been a member of Glasgow Hawks RFC 1st XV for the last 9 seasons, during which time he has won 3 league winner's medals and 2 Scottish Cup winner's medals. He is hoping this profile will help raise awareness and attract community support for his ambitious challenges.



"In 2006, I received great support from my friends, colleagues and rugby club. The HBOS Foundation will also match funds raised to the value of £500," said Ricky. "Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean the Balcraig Foundation can continue their invaluable work supporting orphaned children in Africa."


Ricky has set up an online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/rickyafrica3peaks. He is also looking for corporate sponsors and can supply a fundraising dossier with sponsorship opportunities on request.



Coverage to date is as follows:

I've attached an article from the Scotsman from December outlining my challenge (attached)
I was interviewed on Scottish Rugby Radio , which was broadcast in December. www.scottishrugbyradio.com
An article appeared in SCRUM magazine in February 2008 http://www.scrummagazine.com/
In December, an article appeared in my local newspaper, the Hamilton Advertiser (attached).
An article appeared in The Herald in the 'Local Hero' section on my adventures to date in February 2008 (attached).
I had an article with photo in the Glasgow Evening Times on 5th Jan (attached)
Bill Lothian at Edinburgh Evening News has promised to try to get some coverage as well
I have been invited for an interview on my local radio station, Lanarkshire's L107, which will happen in the weeks leading up to my departure.

This article was originally posted on 25-Mar-2008, 11:38 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 25-Mar-2008, 11:41.