A south-east Northumberland based cyber security expert has swapped his computer for walking boots in a bid to raise more than £5000 for charity.
Dr Christopher Tait of Layer 7 IT Security is more used to walking the corridors of government buildings than trekking up mountains but that’s what he has pledged to do for two special reasons.
In September Chris will take on Africa’s highest peak – the 5890m tall Kilimanjaro to raise much needed funds for Newcastle based national charity Josie’s Dragonfly Trust. The Trust makes a very real and positive difference to the lives of young cancer patients with limited time. Their work involves creating precious memories, and gives the young patients they support a chance to leave their footprint on the world.
Chris is also an active freemason and is using his latest fundraising adventure to raise awareness of the charitable work undertaken by the Freemasons of Northumberland.
“Last year was the 300th anniversary of English freemasonry and to celebrate Northumberland Freemasons gave £300,000 to local charities in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. At the end of last year, I found out about the important work that Josie’s Dragonfly Trust does through a friend who was linked to the charity.
“I was amazed at how they help young people with limited time make memories – it’s not about holidays or meeting pop stars – it’s about family and loved ones, creating lasting memories together.”
To prepare for the mammoth five-day trek, Chris has been practising in the Cheviot Hills and he recently tackled Britain’s highest peak Ben Nevis at a mere 1345m accompanied by some of his colleagues from Lodge Temperance in Newcastle.
“Ben Nevis was very challenging especially in the searing heat but I kept thinking that every step I took is going to help someone less fortunate than myself. When faced with the news that a young patient has very limited time, one of the most important things is that they can leave their footprint on the world. I was incredibly proud to leave my footprint at the top of Ben Nevis for them and fly the flags of both the trust and the Northumberland Freemasons.”
Chris has been assisted in his fundraising by many masonic lodges in the county.
“I’ve received cheques and messages of good luck from lodges from Berwick to Newcastle and beyond. Everyone has seen the great work the trust does and wants to help and I am very grateful for every donation made no matter how small.”
While Chris is tackling Africa’s highest peak, other opportunities are available to help the trust:
The Trust have selected the most memorable section of Hadrian’s Wall to offer a fantastic weekend challenge to help to raise much needed funds. The route will start at Gilsland in Cumbria and finish in the village of Chollerford near Hexham, with an overnight stay at The Sill – a new landscape discovery centre which opened last summer.
Participants can take on the whole weekend (approx. 22 miles), or join on Sunday for the final 12 miles. The charity is encouraging supporters to put their best foot forward to help them grant special requests for young cancer patients with limited time.
Weekend Challenge: £30 registration + £99 sponsorship
Sunday Challenge: £10 registration + £30 sponsorship
Ends
Photo shows Chris at the top of Ben Nevis
Media interviews and more information from Keith Newman keith@highlightspr.co.uk
07814 397951