Hammers keeper robert green set for kilimanjaro expedition

By Simon Hayes on May 14, 2008 1:05 PM |

Tagged with:

The season’s over and most of West Ham’s first team squad will be heading to the beach for a long summer break.

But goalkeeper Robert Green won’t be lounging around until pre-season training starts in July, he’s heading off to Africa in mid-June on a three-week fundraising trip in aid of medical charity Amref.

He will visit Kenya and Tanzania to see for himself the projects being undertaken to improve the lives of children there and also help host some football tournaments.

The climax will be an expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro and the newly-crowned Hammer of the Year is looking forward to tackling the 20,000ft peak.

He said: “It’ll be a different physical and mental challenge, though fortunately you don’t need any climbing experience so I should be OK.

“I’m used to working in one or two second bursts in goal and this is a five-day hike, so it’s different for me. The last day is a 12-hour hike that covers just one mile. It sounds weird but that’s as tough as it is.

“It’s a tough challenge but one I’m looking forward to and raising as much funds as possible for the Amref cause. If it can affect a few lives and save a few lives then brilliant.”

After spending five days getting to the summit Green won’t have long to enjoy the view.

He said: “You get about 15 to 20 minutes. You get there, have your photo done and then you’re on your way back down. There’s no messing about. I hope it’s not cloudy otherwise my photos will be knackered.”

Given West Ham’s terrible injury problems has Alan Curbishley done anything to deter his first-choice keeper from taking on the challenge?

“No. He’s worried about the 25 other lads who are injured. I could trip over or tread on a jellyfish on a beach so climbing up a mountain is a risk in life. If I get injured in a good cause then so be it. I could get injured crossing the road tomorrow.”

And Green revealed Hammers fans could even join him on the expedition, although they will have to be quick.

He said: “People can come out and climb it themselves if they can raise the £4,000. It’s probably a bit short notice now but they are more than welcome to come out if they can.”

To make a donation, visit www.just giving.com/robertgreenkiliclimb