In June 2020, Abby will be raising funds for the next important stages in the development of the Early Development Centre by challenging herself to complete a 3 day trek in the Alps! We asked her a few questions about the challenge and how it will benefit the children supported by KIFAD Uganda.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your role at KIFAD UK?
I’m the International Fundraising Trustee and since 2014 I’ve had the pleasure of running several events with the support of friends and small businesses in Luxembourg where I have lived for the past 21 years. These events – several second-hand sales and three Niche Markets – have helped KIFAD to build and equip the Medical Centre which serves thousands of people in Wakiso District.
Q: What inspired you to take part in this new fundraising event?
I decided in December 2018 to set myself a personal challenge as I have always loved sport and adventure. I quickly discovered the treks run by Global Adventure Challenges. The Alps Trek offered the right balance of length and difficulty and after presenting my idea to my KIFAD UK colleagues, I signed up in spring 2019.
Q: Where and when does the trek take place?
We’ll be trekking through three countries over three days, France, Switzerland and Italy, very close to Mont Blanc. We begin on June 18th and finish on June 20th 2020.
Q: How difficult will this challenge be?
Global Adventure Challenges grade their treks on three levels: challenging, tough and extreme. The Alps Trek is rated tough, so I am expecting lots of steep ascents and descents and sore muscles! We will be covering 46-48kms over the three days on varied terrain including rocky mountain paths and forest trails.
Q: How are you preparing for the trek?
It is recommended to begin regular training three to four months before the trek takes place, which is now! I have already been making use of the steep hills in Luxembourg City to do training walks of about 10kms as well as indoor cycling and weights when the weather prevents me from training outdoors. As the spring arrives I will be doing longer and more frequent walks, both on the flat for distance and on gradients for cardio and muscle strength. In mid-February I will be in the Dolomites for a week and will make full use of the training terrain while I’m there.
Q: Finally, what is your fundraising target and how will the funds be used?
I am self-funding this trek, so any funds raised will be sent directly from KIFAD UK to KIFAD Uganda to be used in a transparent and targeted way. As part of this campaign I have already successfully raised €2,600 (£2,300) by giving English lessons at The Little Gym Luxembourg. These funds have helped KIFAD to build and furnish the Early Development Centre. I hope that the trek will raise another £800-£1000 through sponsorship, which will be used to create a vital outdoor play area for the children who attend the EDC and to help KIFAD begin construction of three further classrooms to be able to welcome up to 60 more children who would otherwise not be able to attend school.
This is such a critical facility for local, disadvantaged families and I am determined to raise as much as possible through this challenge to help KIFAD bring education and improved life opportunities to vulnerable children whose families do not have the means to send them to formal primary school.
To find out more about Abby’s challenge, visit
Global Adventure challenges
Photo caption:
Training walk, Luxembourg City, several steep hills and 2 long, steep staircases!
09.02.2020, 10.38kms, 1h53