Welsh Ambulance Service leader to climb highest peak in north Africa for charity

14.11.24

A WELSH Ambulance Service worker is to climb Mount Toubkal to raise funds for earthquake-damaged school.

Next month, Darren Panniers, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Service in south east Wales, will be attempting to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in north Africa.

The self-funded climb will see Darren trek up the 13,671ft (4267m) mountain to help raise funds for Imi Oughlad Primary School, a rural school found in the Imlil Valley of the High Atlas Mountains that was badly damaged after an earthquake struck central Morocco in 2023.

Darren said: "I have always wanted to climb Mount Toubkal, especially in the winter time as the peak will be snow-capped.

“On researching the local area and looking for my next charity challenge, I read about the devastation caused following the earthquake and the impact it had on children and their education.

“I found out about the 'desks for earthquake-damaged school' project and immediately jumped at the challenge.

“Run by the Eve Branson Foundation, the funds raised will purchase desks, chairs, blackboards, education materials and other essential school equipment so that more than 150 children in the village of Imi Oughlad can return to classroom learning.”

The project is one of seven run by the Eve Branson Foundation to build a secure, healthy and resilient community in the villages surrounding Kasbah Tamadot.

Darren continued: “I will be joining a group of between 15 and 20 like-minded hikers who are all supporting the same cause.

“I’m excited to take on another challenge, and tick off another bucket list adventure but under no circumstances am I anticipating this to be an easy climb.

“Any climb over 3000m brings its challenges; altitude sickness can impact anyone, at any time and you can’t take these things for granted.

“I have to prepare for this challenge, the same as I did for Kilimanjaro and the Arctic Blast where 100km was covered in a harsh environment.

“Any support you can give is greatly appreciated and would directly support the children within the small villages of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco".

You can pledge your support to Darren via the donation site here.

Editor’s Notes

For more information, please email Communications Specialist Beth.Eales@wales.nhs.uk