News Archive

Peninsula Man Lends Long Distance Support

Mornington man, Damien Mander, is a long way from home - currently working in the Middle East - but home is where the heart is and Damien wants to turn a lifetime challenge into a lifetime of good for local children attending Scope's Early Childhood Intervention Services on the Mornington Peninsula.

Damien has already raised enough funds to participate in a climb with the somewhat understated name of Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike Away, organised by Scope UK who agreed that any extra monies Damien raises (after participation fee) can go to a local charity and he has chosen Scope in Victoria.

"You don't often hear of larger scale charity events for Cerebral Palsy, whereas some other areas receive much more attention," says Damien Mander. "That's not suggesting that any one cause is more deserving than another. I'm just trying to raise some appreciation for the obstacles faced by those in the local community that are affected by Cerebral Palsy. Factually, CP is the most common form of physical disability amongst children."

Twenty-seven year old Damien has already had a fascinating career. He served for four years in the Navy as a Clearance Diver and then two years with a specialist Army unit as a sniper. Currently, he's working for a Dubai-based company focused on military and policing operations within the Middle East.

"There was never any intention of joining the military whilst growing up, it just seemed to happen after a string of short-lived and not so prosperous career moves. I've always remained optimistic and felt that whatever happens is for the best. As it turns out, I wouldn't change anything," he said.

Currently, Damien is in training for the tough Kilimanjaro climb. Not easy in the desert - if he can't find a hill, he'll use a spiral staircase, and the temperatures are already heading towards the high 50 degrees Celsius.

Damien leaves on Sunday 3 June for Mt. Kilimanjaro and it will take nine days to complete the climb. He has so far raised $22,000.

To learn more about Damien's challenging climb visit www.damienmander.com.

MT. KILIMANJARO HIKE AWAY (2-11 June 2007)

Scope UK event for adventurers to participate in a spectacular trekking adventure in Tanzania. The Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike Away looks set to raise over £100,000.

Trekking to heights of 5895m along the Marangu Trail to the "Roof of Africa", the route travels through lush jungle and alpine meadow to the snow-capped summit, to watch dawn break across the savannah.

People from all walks of life take part in Scope UK events and all are guaranteed an amazing experience. This is a fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity to conquer Africa's highest peak.
www.scope.org.uk