Evelyn, who is an international percussionist, literally “played” her way up the mountain with her drumsticks to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Africa’s 52 million children and young people.

Her fellow climbers – who included a visually impaired Ugandan woman, a hearing impaired Ugandan man, a disabled Ugandan sportsman and two Kenyan men with physical disabilities caused by childhood polio –took on the climb ahead of International Day of Disabled People on Friday 3rd December.

Evelyn said:

“We know that rocks and stones do actually sing, they do create interesting sounds, so I took a pair of sticks because I was curious to find out what the mountain might sound like!”

“There are more than 52 million disabled children in Africa and too many are without hope. The only way we can make a sustainable difference is by including these children in Africa’s future development. I chose the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro because I wanted to make a difference to our next generation.

“I have good reason to recognize the importance of education and inclusion for ALL children; it empowered me to make my own unique journey in life. The disabled children supported by AbleChildAfrica desperately need inclusion. Enabling these children means enrichment, quality of life, and reduced dependency for them, their families and communities.”

It wasn’t the first time that Evelyn played “Rock” music. Earlier this year she led a project using music to teach geology to children in Cumbria by building a “lithophone” which is a xylophone make of stone.

All the climbers hope their venture will highlight what disabled people can achieve when given the opportunity and help raise money for projects working with disabled children in Africa.

You can make a donation online here.

The Challenge is to swim a one-mile swim in the heart of the capital http://www.greatswim.org/

The Royal Victoria Dock, venue of the British Gas Great London Swim, is situated in the East End of London near Canary Wharf in the London Borough of Newham.

The one-mile course will be set against the magnificent London skyline, with views of Canary Wharf and the rejuvenated London Docklands area, providing the perfect backdrop for a Great Swim.

For many the biggest challenge of the British Gas Great London Swim may be overcoming the fear of swimming in the Thames. However contrary to popular belief the water quality is in fact very good and is acknowledged to be one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in the world. This is largely down to the Thames being tidal.

We we are really pleased to have Juliet, who is the daughter of one of our Trustees swimming for us in add of our life changing work with disabled children and, if you are impressed as we are by her attempt to swim in the Thames please consider contributing to her fundraising at http://www.justgiving.com/Juliet-Turnbull0

“I feel a sense of hope and empowerment working with AbleChildAfrica’s efforts to support disabled children in East Africa. They are passionate about their work and strive towards making a difference in the lives of some of the less fortunate members of our society – the children.

Both Uganda Society for Disabled Children and AbleChildAfrica are committed to changing the lives of disabled children in Uganda. I want more and more people to know about this work and get an opportunity to contribute to its effectiveness.”

Fundraiser, Uganda Society for Disabled Children