6 May 2004

US lawyer to climb Samoa peaks in AIDS fundraiser

10:19 am on 6 May 2004

An American attorney plans to climb three mountain peaks in Samoa and American Samoa next month to raise money for the Jaycee Family AIDS network in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Charles Oldham, 29, said he will climb Mt Vaea and Mt Silisili in Samoa and Mt Lata in American Samoa and name the project the "Samoan Three Peaks Challenge."

The total elevation of all three together is 10,801 feet. Oldham is paying all costs of the trip including air, lodging and equipment.

Oldham said he has never been to the Samoan islands but have often heard of its beauty. And based on what he has heard, he said the Samoan culture is vibrant with the people very friendly and welcoming.

He will leave the US on June 6th for the two week trip to the islands.