e9c724eeb5636d1c1c1a2c2e85d40377_XL-300x253

Matthew Rouse, the managing partner and founder of Rouse Lawyers, recently endeavoured to climb the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Once Matthew made it to the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world, he held up the Act of Kids flag, raising awareness to a whole new height, 5,895 metres to be exact.

The trip was a spur of the moment decision, booked only three months prior. Matthew confessed he wasn’t overly confident for the climb.

“I had a bad reaction to a yellow fever inoculation and was too sick to get much training in before I left. I did try to hike Mt Mee a week before I left –and managed to get lost which didn’t do my confidence the world of good. Luckily, my fitness levels weren’t too bad and I didn’t embarrass myself (completely) on the trip”, Matthew said.

Matthew admits that running a law firm doesn’t allow him much holiday time and confessed that he hasn’t had a vacation in two years.

“I wasn’t overly keen on the idea of just laying on a beach for two weeks and wanted to do something different and challenging”, Matthew said.

Act for Kids is an important charity to Rouse Lawyers and Matthew said Act for Kids motivated him to take this challenge.

“The Act for Kids flag was perfect – I was going to get the flag to the summit even if I did it crawling on hands and knees, which funnily enough is how some people make it up there. Hopefully the photo can motivate people and highlight the wonderful work done by Act for Kids. Climbing a mountain is one thing, but Act for Kids are assisting children deal with very difficult challenges every day”

Wanting to plan a challenge for yourself? Become an everyday hero and help raise awareness and funds for Act for Kids! If you would like further information about different everyday hero opportunities call Ellen Park on 1300 288 000 http://www.everydayhero.com.au.