Seventeen local fundraisers have returned home from a challenging five day charity trek through the fascinating region of North India at the heart of the Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range. The overseas adventure wasn’t just about facing tough terrain, they had plenty thrown at them from start to finish, including experiencing an overnight Indian sleeper train, snow, thunder and lightning storms and really went back to basics at camp. Between them, the team has raised an amazing combined total, surpassing £30,000 towards the The Forever Friends Appeal’s RUH Cancer Care Campaign – which is fundraising for a world class new Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
The trekking team, of which four are staff at the hospital, included: Gisela Barcat-Angelelli, Katrina Bride, The Journal’s Becky Brooks, Diana Dixon, Christina Ferreira, Lindsey Hobbs, Ines Martins, Ashley Nesbitt, Victoria Owen, Helen Pyne, Fiona Ryall, Sandra Sach, Debbie Saffin, Surrinder Sandham-Bains, Tim Shire, Frankie Simpkins and Kirsty Thompson.
The team began the challenge in Dehli, jumping straight in and getting out of their comfort zones with the first of many adventures, almost missing their sleeper train because of Delhi’s infamous colorful and chaotic traffic! Having travelled five miles in two-and-a-half hours in the coach, the group decided to get out and make a run for the last mile to the station on foot. With seven minutes to spare, they boarded the sleeper train for a ten-hour journey to Pathankot and then straight onto Dharamsala – home to the Dalai Lama and the start and finish point of the five day trek that lay ahead.
Trekking up to eight hours a day, the group faced many ascents and descents, river and suspension bridge crossings through pine forests and up to a glacial field. When the going got tough, musician in residence at the RUH, Frankie Simpkins, boosted morale with impromptu sing-a-longs to keep spirits high.
The team were also able to immerse themselves in much of the traditional culture, passing through charming villages warmly greeted by the locals, Hindu settlements and Buddhist Monasteries, all with the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan Mountains. After a hard days trekking, the cold nights were spent in two man tents and at the highest point, the team spent two nights at 3,000m at -5 degrees at Triund camp. After a colossal overnight thunderstorm, they were greeted by a thick layer of snow.
Upon their return to Dharmsala, signifying the end of the trek, Becky and Diana then made an impromptu trip to the local infant school to give a small gift, their way of giving back to a community that welcomed them so warmly and taught them ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes!’ After another long eight hour journey, the end of the challenge was celebrated with a visit to the amazing Taj Mahal.
For each member of the team, the trek has been a personal and life-changing journey which has brought with it new experiences and friendships in a truly united effort for Cancer Care at the RUH.
“It was a truly incredible and challenging experience,” says Journal Editor, Becky Brooks. “I have never camped before, not even in the UK, so why not begin in the Himalayas! I seriously underestimated how cold it would be – often I would go to sleep in all of the clothes I could find just to keep warm. The team were fantastic and we all got on so well and supported each other – everyone had good and bad days, but you are always aware of why you are taking on the challenge, many of us doing it for loved ones who have been through far worse or beaten cancer themselves. India was an amazing country and the whole experience was very humbling indeed.
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by everyone’s support over the last two and a bit years. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers who have supported me and to those who have donated and of course, to the rest of The Journal team. A special thank you to Terry and Caroline Wynne, who have raised a massive £1,650 for the China and India Treks, Thatcher & Hallam, who have donated £500, Somer Valley Rotary Club who donated £200, Terry and Annette Andrews for all of their help and support, Becky Woodland and the Boogie Bounce gang who helped me raise over £800, everyone at Mardons Social Club and Paulton Rovers for their support and anyone else I may have missed. Thank you. It’s been a real team effort – both of my fundraising pages together have made over £10,700 for such an important new facility for our area. I can’t wait to report on the day it opens.”
The RUH Cancer Care Campaign is raising £8.5 million towards a pioneering Cancer Centre at The Royal United Hospital in Bath. This new Centre will transform the care for patients and their families affected by a life-changing diagnosis. The hospital is planning on replacing its outdated 1940s cancer facilities with a new centre that is truly fit for purpose that will bring treatment under one roof, including a new well-being centre to help those recovering from cancer or undergoing treatment. To date, the campaign has raised £6.9 million and with the support of the public, will help raise the final £1.6 million.
Laura Pearce, Events Fundraiser for the Appeal, comments: “We are so proud of all our India trekkers for completing this challenge – they really are a truly inspirational group of people. In the many months leading up to departure, each trekker worked extremely hard to raise vital funds for RUH patients. From cake sales, dance evenings, cream tea afternoons to fancy dress half marathons and a very apt Indian elephant naming game, the trek had already led the group to some amazing fundraising achievements before they even set foot in India! They’ve created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, with the knowledge that with every step taken, they had been one step closer to a pioneering Cancer Centre at the RUH.
“Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication and to all those who supported and donated along the way. What a journey!”
With the success of the India Trek, the Forever Friends Appeal is now looking for another group of adventurous fundraisers to take part in Trek Cambodia 2016 – a 95km trek to the top of the sacred Kulen Mountain and to explore the jewel in Cambodia’s crown, Angkor Wat.
An Information Evening will be held at the Hospital on Thursday, 28th January 2016, with talks from the Global Adventure Challenge trek leader, the fundraising team, a tour of the current Oncology facilities and you’ll even get a chance to hear from the India trekkers about some of their experiences. To book your place or to find out more, please visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk or give Laura a call on: 01225 821535.