Dear Friends, Old and (hopefully) New,

 

This time last year you sponsored me to walk the West Highland Way in Scotland and donated an incredible 3000 pounds to Scottish Love in Action (SLA) to help two polio-afflicted boys walk normally. I walked, you gave and now Salmon Raj and Kumaraja are on their feet. Salmon Raj’s progress has been particularly inspirational. A year ago he was crawling around on all fours. Now he is standing upright, walking with crutches and even able to take a few dozen steps unaided. The change is miraculous. Thank you so much!

 

After spending a remarkable 10 months with the so-called "untouchable" children at Light of Love Children’s Home in Tuni, , I’ve got my walking boots back on for Scottish Love in Action and the kids at the home. I’ve seen for myself what wonderful work SLA is doing for these destitute children, how the home is a life-changing opportunity for them, and how happy the kids are to be there. It truly is a haven for them and they are immensely grateful for that. For more detailed information on the home and SLA's work check out www.sla-india.org 

I also know that the need is never-ending and the financial pressures on the home and SLA unceasing. It is now the start of a new year at the home, new children are being admitted and that means more hungry mouths to feed after a year of drought and destructive cyclones that have sent the price of food rocketing. The children also need clothes, rooms to sleep in, medical attention and new classrooms. As "untouchable" children despised and marginalised by mainstream society, these basic necessities have been denied to many of these kids.

So much for the reasons for my Himalayan Walkabout, here are the details.

 

From tomorrow (yes, TOMORROW) I’m going to hike to the Annapurna Base Camp in , a trek of about 10 days starting near the city of Pokhara and climbing through forest and mountain terrain to 4000m and, hopefully, stupendous views of the Annapurna range. Please ignore any message you receive saying I finished on 22 June (site building error by me), I'll be on the trail 10 days at least.

 

A few things to consider if you’re feeling generous:

 

 1)      It is monsoon season. I’m going to get very wet and be battling leeches all the way.

2)      I’ve already completed the Indian leg of the Himalayan Walkabout, an 8-day trek in to see Kanchenjunga , topping out at 5000m (check out the photo).

3)      By doing this trek I’m going to miss a major slice of the World Cup!

 

So please give generously. I know this is very late notice as I start the trek tomorrow but that’s independent trekking for you. And it really is laughably easy to give via this website. What’s more, if you’ve toiled through any of my emails in the last year or so you’ll know what a great cause this is and exactly where your money is going….

 www.sla-india.org

 

 Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Scottish Love In Action will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

All the best and thank you

James