Bridge of Earn adventurer to take fundraising to new heights

Mar 19 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A DARING Perthshire adventurer who conquered two of the world’s highest peaks for charity yesterday revealed he has set his sights even higher.

Jalal Al-Ibrahimi, from Bridge of Earn, returned to his native Morocco at the end of October to climb the 14,000ft Jebel Toubkal, in the Atlas Mountains.

And, just a few weeks ago, he landed back in the Big County after reaching the top of the equally-imposing 19,360ft Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing peak on the planet.

The prolific climber’s goal was to raise as much money as possible for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (Chas) hospice in Kinross.

Jalal, who paid all his own expenses in completing his epic journey, said: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I enjoyed every second of it.”

“The moral support I received from my wife, mum, mother-in-law, brothers and sisters carried me to the summit – I couldn’t have done it without them.

“I would also like to thank my friend Stewart who helped me with all my training.

“At the end of the trek, I was told that I was only the fifth Moroccan to have made it to the top – that was a very proud and special moment.”

Regional Chas funding manager Jon Heggie said: “Jalal’s support for our Rachel House hospice in Kinross is incredible.

“We are very proud of his achievements. Every step he climbed and every pound he has raised will help Chas to provide vital services for young people in Scotland.”

Already planning his next challenge, Jalal added: “I would like to do something for children in Morocco alongside members of my family over there.

“Ideally, a 200-mile walk from Agadir to Marrakech via the Toubkal summit in the Atlas Mountains.

“However, fundraising for projects in Morocco isn’t as common as it is here in the UK so I don’t know if it will be possible.

“When I was over there in October I visited a local school and was a bit shocked at how basic it was.

“And I discovered that some local children have to walk more than an hour to get to school.

“Despite this, all the kids are all so happy to be there – but I would really like to raise money to buy essential equipment.

“If the project really took off I’ll hopefully raise enough to go towards a possible school building project.

“It will be a huge task to accomplish though, and it is in the very much early planning stages.

“I’ve also looked into trekking the Himalayas to get to the Everest base camp.”

To donate to Chas, visit Jalal’s website www.alibrahimi.webs.com and follow the links to his online sponsorship form.