The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) has launched ‘Martin’s Mountain’ which is a a major national project involving Martin Hibbert, who was paralysed in the Manchester Arena bombing.
With a mission to turn the act of terror into a force for good by shifting the spotlight away from those who tried to end his life and towards the charity that helped him rebuild it, Martin has set himself a challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September. He aims to raise £1 million for SIA and as it is a Paralympic year, plans to take a Paralympic torch with him to highlight the Paralympic values of determination, equality, courage, and inspiration, as well as make this a moment for change and hope as we emerge from lockdown.
Martin’s Mountain has already reached hundreds of thousands of people via coverage on Good Morning Britain, ITV news, BBC news, Sky news and local news across the UK. The next three months will be packed with updates, training blogs, engagement opportunities and fundraising activities.
As Martin and his team prepare for the climb, SIA would love as many people and organisations as possible to get involved in this exciting project, which aims to start a revolution for a better, more inclusive society for spinal cord injured and disabled people.
SIA has launched a campaign to reach and engage people as ambassadors of Martin’s Mountain. The #EverydayMountaineers are helping to spread the word and encourage others to get involved.
My 19: My 19 is a mass participation and public fundraising initiative, based on the height of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,308ft), to encourage and support people to take on their own challenge and climb their own mountain, whatever that might be.
Martin Meets: A series of podcasts and mini films are being created, through which people can meet Martin and share their story to highlight the needs, ambitions and achievements of disabled people.
There are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available, ranging from £3,000 to £250,000.
Contact Ollie Buncombe, Special Projects Coordinator at SIA, at o.buncombe@spinal.co.uk for further information.
You can follow Martin’s Mountain on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Instagram @SIAMartinsMountain.
You can view the Martin’s Mountain video by clicking here and donate to Martin’s Mountain here.
