Age UK Essex plan trek to Nepal with famous face

Age UK is one of the biggest charities in UK. It delivers support services to more than 60,000 people across Essex,and this year is targeting helpers, and a famous face, to take part in a trek to Nepal and help fund their vital work helping residents beat the effects of loneliness. “The charity faces a massive mountain to climb in terms of funds needed to keep the Befriending service afloat. Add that to the rest of the support services and the total amount to support this large group of Essex residents adds up to over £500,000 to bring friendship, advice and help to many”, said Fundraising manager for the charity, Mr. Jean Robinson.

“As our first overseas challenge, to have an Essex celebrity join us in the Himalayas would offer both the experience of a lifetime, and the chance to share how important looking after later life is to everyone.” The trek will take place in 2017. The target is to raise  £30,000 for the charity’s Befriending scheme, with each volunteer pledging to raise a minimum of £2,850 before and after they tackle Poon Hill, in the Annapurna mountain range, reaching a height of 3,210 metres.

The 10 day trip includes six days of excursions and an average of 5km of trekking each day across streams, through forest and up mountains. The trek will start and end in Kathmandu. Volunteers can contribute by spending time with an older person for one hour each week. They can either visit someone in their home, or chat over phone, or an activity like going out for a walk. Ann Sparks from the Age UK Essex Befriending service added: “I spoke with a volunteer last week who visits three clients a week.

Anyone interested in taking on the trip to Nepal can call Jean Robinson on 01245 207065 or email jean.robinson@ageukessex.org.uk for more information.

For more information on other treks, visit www.globaladventure challenges.com

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