Team from global food and drinks sector conquers North Africa's highest mountain for charity

25 October 2012

A team of climbers from across the UK food and drinks sector has returned home in triumph this week after successfully reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal in Morocco.

The teams were taking part in a fundraising climb for Farm Africa, a UK charity which is tackling hunger in Africa not through food aid, but instead through agricultural innovation and business enterprise.

The teams came from the UK-based food companies Moy Park and ABP UK and the Zurich-based SABMiller Trinity (Zug), a subsidiary of SABMiller, the South African brewing multinational.

Trekking to the top of Morocco’s imposing Mount Toubkal was no easy task. The mountain, which is the tallest in North Africa, stands at 4167metres above sea level. Getting to the top is the equivalent of scaling Europe’s tallest building – The Shard in London – thirteen and a half times! To get to the top, the team had to sleep under canvas on the mountain side as well as put up with poor visibility, driving rain and snow.

But the team was ecstatic to reach the summit and enjoy the best view in North Africa.

James Colley who works for Moy Park described the view from the top as "absolutely stunning and well worth the battle with the elements and altitude. Amazing experience."

And speaking at Marrakech airport before boarding the flight back to the UK, Mandy Thompson from ABP said:

"What an amazing experience! The pain, sweat and tears were well worth it for that view. Thank you Toubkal!"

Images of the climbers at the summit of Mt Toubkal are available on request.

You can see images of the team on the climb, learn more about the climbers and make a donation here: http://www.farmafrica.org.uk/get-involved/take-on-toubkal

Ends

To arrange an interview with any of the climbers, and for further information, please contact:

Matt Whitticase: mattheww@farmafrica.org.uk / t: 020 7067 1237

Notes to Editor:

About Farm Africa

Farm Africa is a charity working with families in rural Africa, helping them to produce food more effectively. By providing training and support to help farmers improve the way they manage their crops, livestock, forests and access to water, we help families build a future free from hunger. For more information about Farm Africa please visit www.farmafrica.org.uk