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Akdag Mountain stands at on 3024 meters above sea level. On December 23 2017, I did a solo climb of this peak, under the harshest conditions of winter, and camped on its summit for a night. 3024 meters might not sound too difficult, but considering the 10 kilometer trek to the top at -35 degrees Celsius, with heavy snow and the harsh southerly winds, it wasn’t easy.

So why did I embark on this crazy expedition? Why did I risk my life and convince others to get involved? I did it for kids.

I traveled to the Philippines in 2013, after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the lives of millions. The damage of the cyclone notwithstanding, I was astounded by the stark contrast of wealth and poverty there. Amidst glittering high rises and busy shopping malls were people starving on the streets, scratching a living any way that they could. At the time all I could do was capture the plight of disadvantaged children through photography. My pictures were my way of raising awareness but I soon felt it simply wasn’t enough.

That’s when Climb for Good was born. Last year we were able to raise a good sum of money, which made a difference to the lives for children in some of the poorest corner of the world. This year we’re hoping to top the sum and raise the challenge with more climbers taking part. Watch this space.