Last week, our party President Tim Farron wrote on Lib Dem Voice about the party’s intentions to fundraise and pay all interns who work at Lib Dem HQ. I think this is fantastic news and something I support. He did however raise the issue that implementing this policy – so that everyone is able to take up an internship regardless of their financial circumstances – could mean fewer internships are available for people to take up. About 18 months ago I wrote an article on here where I raised the same concern about the reduction in the number of opportunities available if it became compulsory for all interns to be paid. I would, of course, love all interns to be paid and still allow the same number of people to get what I found an incredibly valuable experience.

So, if we want to pay interns and ensure the same breadth of opportunities are still available, quite simply we need to fundraise. With that in mind, I am organising a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis on Friday 13th September, the day before Autumn Conference starts in Glasgow.

The idea is for members from around the country to take part and fundraise in their constituencies beforehand, as well as publicising the event to raise extra sponsorship through other means such as Lib Dem Voice and social networks.

It should be a fantastic photo opportunity at the top, and we intend to take a ‘Lib Dems Winning Here’ flag to plant at the summit!

What we need at the moment are more climbers. The more people who climb, the more money we can raise. To fund a 3 month internship we need to raise around £3,500. If you would be interested in joining our quest or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me at [email protected], or visit the website at www.libdemnevis.wordpress.com.

If you would like to spread the word, we are using the hashtag #LibDemNevis on Twitter. There is also a Facebook event page at: http://www.facebook.com/events/501895713193291.

We are still organising sponsorship, but be sure to check out the website again soon if you would like to donate.

* Glyn Ley is the Information Officer for Torbay Liberal Democrats. He blogs at glynley.co.uk