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PRCA Kilimanjaro Trekkers Reach the Summit for Leonard Cheshire Disability
PRESS RELEASE
London, 5 April 2011 - March saw a troop of intrepid PRCA members successfully reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Chairman's Charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability. After many months of physical training and fundraising efforts including putting on bake sales, pampering spa days and staging concerts, every member of the group, led by David Gallagher of Ketchum Pleon and Loretta Tobin of Grayling UK, overcame on the challenge of a lifetime by trekking to a height of 6000m to reach the magnificent, snow-capped peak.
Girish Balachandran, Head of Business Development at Ketchum Pleon, said:
"I don't think any of us realised how tough this was going to be. It was a struggle to get to the top; it rained for five days pretty much non-stop so between the weather and altitude sickness it was a massive challenge. Luckily I was climbing with a great team; sheer determination and the camaraderie of the team kept us going when it mattered and even though I am back in the UK those memories will stay with me for a very long time.
"This was definitely physically the hardest thing I have ever done but I am really proud to have been part of the first PRCA team to take on an inspirational challenge like this, definitely a benchmark for the future. It's also fantastic to know that all our hard work is for an amazing cause, so far we've raised just over £80,000 for Leonard Cheshire Disability so there's not long to go until we hit the target of £92,000."
Susy Gould, Leonard Cheshire Disability PRCA Corporate Partnerships Manager, said:
“Congratulations to all the trekkers and thank you for the funds raised.
“Experiencing all of the perils of altitude like dizziness, headaches and nausea to succeed and reach the top is a fantastic achievement.
“This event has been an incredible success for us, which has been made possible by the drive and determination of those taking part. The charity is privileged to be chosen as the PRCA Chairman's Charity and I would like to say a big thank you to them for supporting us and enthusing their members to take part.”
-ENDS-
Media enquiries
Please contact Reda Haq at the PRCA on 020 7233 6026 or reda.haq@prca.org.uk or Pete Lewis at Leonard Cheshire Disability press office on 0203 242 0265 or pete.lewis@LCDisability.org
For general enquiries about LCD's partnership with the PRCA please contact Susy Gould on Susy.Gould@lcdisability.org
Notes to Editors
About Leonard Cheshire Disability
Leonard Cheshire Disability supports over 21,000 disabled people in the UK and work in 52 countries. We campaign for change and provide innovative services that give disabled people the opportunity to live life their way. To find out more visit: www.lcdisability.org
About the PRCA
Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams and PR freelancers. The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.
What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.
How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.
Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 230 agency members from around the world including the majority of the top 100 UK.
