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The Ben Nevis Challenge was launched in October 2007, with the objective of raising £1.6 million before the end of this year through the sponsored climb and a host of other fund raising activities. UCKG, a mainstream Pentecostal church needs the money to buy 176 Rye Lane, Peckham, which it has rented for use as a HelpCentre since 1997. The HelpCentre supports local young people trying to escape addictions or gang life in a London borough with long term issues around crime, guns and gangs. However the church never turns anyone away and also runs programmes for the old and sick, prisoners, singles and families. In all, it has helped many hundreds of people in Peckham. Faced with a real possibility of closure at the end of its lease, the church set about fund raising so that it could buy the premises. “We originally thought that raising £1.6 million in three months would be tougher than climbing the mountain. Experience tells me that there is little to choose between them - I have never done anything so physically challenging,” said Bishop Renato Cardoso, who heads the church in the UK. “We are extremely proud of the commitment and physical effort of all our climbers who all completed the challenge. I know that everyone in UCKG and its Peckham HelpCentre in particular owes them a massive debt of gratitude. Even though we took the easier Tourist Trail route up and down the mountain, some of us found the day to be every bit as difficult as we had trained for, and more. It was an invaluable experience for all of us and our thanks are due in equal measure to the climbers and to their sponsors,” he continued. The climbers, who set off at 8.00am on the morning of November 28, trained intensively over a two month period. They also attended expert briefings in preparation for the climb and were well equipped with technical clothing and footwear to withstand the cold and wet. Guides and full safety support were provided by Osprey Adventures, who are experts in winter climbs in Scotland. Once the Rye Lane property has been secured, UCKG will be offering young people a better alternative to street life in a new and improved Peckham HelpCentre with a brand new, fully equipped Youth Centre. The priorities will be training, academic excellence, and the promotion of sound life skills and values. UCKG will offer CLAIT (Computer Literacy and Information Technology) courses, mentoring and careers guidance. There will also be space and support for leisure activities. The HelpCentre approach relies on young people reaching out to young people, and is very successful. It involves understanding the mindset and peer pressure on young people today. UCKG’s experience with hundreds of youngsters in Youth Groups across the UK has shown that even the most problematic young people can change for the better and contribute positively to society. Further information about the Peckham HelpCentre and the sponsored climb of Ben Nevis are to be found on the website http://www.thebennevischallenge.com ENDS Caption: UCKG members at the top of Ben Nevis Notes to editors: UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort. It was formed in 1977 and is active in over a 100 countries as a church in the mainstream Pentecostal tradition. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. If you require any further information regarding the UCKG, please submit your enquiry or telephone Francessca Lewis on 0207 686 6033.
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