The idea for the climb and the decision to link it with The ISIS Foundation comes from Edmina Bradshaw at ACE Limited. "Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be an extraordinary personal milestone," said Ms. Bradshaw. "But the true value of this expedition comes in channeling our efforts into a worthwhile social cause."

Brian Duperreault, chairman and chief executive officer of ACE Limited, said the climb "and the fund-raising efforts around it are a true test of endurance and commitment. The ACE Group of Companies is proud to contribute to such a worthy endeavor."

Audette Exel, CEO at ISIS, said the ISIS Foundation is "delighted and honored to be the beneficiary of the project." The funds generated, she said, will "help out hundreds of children who are in very disadvantaged circumstances."

The ISIS Foundation said it works in Nepal and Uganda in partnership with a range of non-government organizations, all of whom are closely screened and monitored. Projects undertaken in Nepal include the building of a school, school hostel and health post in the mountains, and a range of health and education projects in both the mountains and in Kathmandu.

In Uganda, projects are based at a rural hospital, and include HIV-AIDS care, the building, staffing and development of a Neonatal ICU, and community-based health care initiatives, the organization said. For further information see www.isis.bm

Anyone interested in learning more about the expedition can contact Simon Albert at Charity Challenge in the UK, at [email protected]