across images of nervously excited ( if not petrified ) thrill seekers white water rafting the mighty Zambezi River .
For those who are not familiar with the Zambezi , it is the fourth largest river in Africa . Its source is in Angola and it then flows through Namibia , Zambia , Zimbabwe and eventually through Mozambique into the Mozambique Channel ; its most famous landmark being Victoria Falls , famously discovered by David Livingstone ( I presume ).
The images of the wide eyed adrenaline junkies rafting some of the most famous and dangerous rapids in the world was something I could not ignore . And this is where the adventure began .
Shamelessly using as much media coverage as I could find about the Zambezi , its dangers and frightening reputation , I began approaching family , friends , colleagues and even clients to raise money for the charity . Over the course of the next six months , the reaction I received and the support given by all of these generous people was overwhelming .
Within eight weeks from the start of my fundraising campaign , donations had approached £ 2,800 , helped by appearances on the Brighton based television station , Latest TV , support and appearance on Juice FM , and publicity through many local , Sussex based , newspapers , business and lifestyle magazines . Within four months , my initial target of £ 4,000 had been reached and so up it went . My intention was always to not only raise funds but help to raise publicity for this very deserving charity .
Of course , it was important for me to keep an eye not only on the charitable aspect of the trip but also my own preparations . The rafting was reported to be physically demanding and although no particular training was required , I thought it wise to up my routine at the gym .
The trip began with an overnight 9 hours flight from Heathrow to Kenya , transiting through Nairobi , with a further three hour flight to Livingstone , Zambia . All went well - I arrived at the very modest “ international ” airport in Livingstone and began to wonder what all the fuss was about . Myself ( and some eight other like minded people , most of who were also fund raising for their respective charities ) were met by the predominantly New Zealand and Australian crew who would be looking after us during the course of the following week .
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