This July, as we approach one year on from the Taliban takeover, three- and six-year-old brothers Rocco and Fonzie Pisaro are taking on a mighty Noshaq-North Yorkshire challenge to raise funds for Afghanaid and ensure people do not forget Afghanistan.

In February 2021, at the age of five, Fonzie Pisaro became the youngest ever person to do a triathlon for Afghanaid. After seeing a news item on the BBC about starving children in Afghanistan, he was inspired to do something to help and managed to raise over £3,000.

Fonzie during his kid-sized triathlon in 2021, where he climbed North Yorkshire landmark Roseberry Topping, tandem-cycled 5km, and jumped into a freezing stream.

Over a year on, Fonzie knows that the situation in Afghanistan has only become more dire, with as many as 1.1 million children under the age of 5 likely facing malnutrition this year. He finds it hard to understand how children just like him in other parts of the world are starving and therefore realises the great importance of helping those less fortunate.

It’s not fair that there are starving children in the world.

This month, Fonzie has decided to once again lend his support to Afghanaid, and has enlisted the help of his three year old brother, Rocco.

At 7,492 metres, Noshaq is the tallest mountain in Afghanistan. This month, the brothers will complete a seven-day challenge, climbing the 10 tallest peaks in the North Yorkshire Moors - equalling the same height as Noshaq. On the 22nd July, the day their school term ends, they will both walk straight out of their school and up to the first peak, Carlton Bank. At the top of every peak they will fly a traditional Afghan Kite in solidarity with Afghans all around the world.

"I am really looking forward to doing the challenge. I am most worried about the day we have to do three peaks - I might have to carry Rocco for some of it. We will make sure we take lots of jellybeans to give us energy boosters. The main thing is we will raise lots of money to help the children in Afghanistan. I can’t wait to fly the kites at the top. When you fly a kite it’s a bit like you are flying yourself." Fonzie said.

Their Afghan mountaineer friend, Freshta Ibrahimi, inspired them to take on this mountain-sized challenge.

Fonzie, Rocco and their mountaineering friend, Freshta Ibrahimi.

In 2018, Freshta was part of the first group of Afghan women to ascend Noshaq in a trailblazing climbing expedition. She now lives in the UK, and will be joining Fonzie and Rocco for the final climb in their 10-peak challenge.

The boys have endless energy and never get tired. Since they could first walk we have been getting them up into the hills.

- Emily, Fonzie and Rocco's mum.

Fonzie and Rocco’s mighty challenge will also form part of Afghanaid’s By Her Side summer campaign, meaning that all sponsorships made to their fundraising page before 30th September will be matched, pound for pound, by the UK Government.

"I like the view when you get to the top of a mountain. Everything is really small. I hope I can climb them all. I am a bit worried about the snow on the top." Rocco told us. "Don’t worry Rocco it will all be melted by then!" Fonzie reassured him.

"At just six and three years of age this is an enormous feat of endurance. Any sponsorship to encourage them up these peaks so Afghanaid can continue their vital work will be greatly appreciated by the lads." Emily said. If you'd like to lend your support to Fonzie and Rocco, you can sponsor them today:

I'd like to donate

Have Fonzie and Rocco inspired you? Would you like to show solidarity for people in Afghanistan? Check out our 'Fly With Me' kite-flying festival with Good Chance to see how you can get involved.

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Download our full press release or please contact:

• Kate Arthur, Head of Communications and Giving [email protected];
• Call +44 (0) 207 916 9883 or email [email protected].