Dear all

 

So its that time of the year again when I'm about to embark on yet another trekking adventure. Only this time I won’t be summiting any mountains. Instead I will be aiming to trek to one of the most beautiful and colossal “mothers of the universe” we have ever known Mount Everest also referred to as Chomolungma, Mount Qomolangma or Sagarmatha (head of the sky).

I will be taking part in a trek to Everest Base Camp on October 28th to November, returning on the 11th 2012, to help raise money for a truly remarkable charity called Women for Women International. This fantastic charity helps women survivor’s of war, rebuild their lives by providing them with the tools and resources to help them move away from crisis and poverty stricken areas, to civilized, self-sufficient communities.   

WHY AM I DOING THIS? 

As you all know, I’ve been taking part in mountain treks since dad passed away from Cancer in December 2007 as I have always felt that it’s the only way to get to heaven and touch the clouds with the exception of throwing oneself out of a plane….something I’m not so keen to do!.

I had always hoped to one-day trek to Everest Base Camp, but I’d never really felt my children, Maiya and Dino were old enough for me to do that. So it remained a dream until one day, kismet or destiny would lead me back on this journey. That day occurred a few weeks ago when by chance I was lucky enough to meet Valerie Boffy a successful Everest summiteer at my art studio.

ABOUT THE CHARITY – WOMEN FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

I have decided to support the Women for Women International charity this year because as a mother, sister and wife I want to show my solidarity to the women around the world who are less fortunate than I am.  This is a non-profit humanitarian organization, which was founded in 1993 by Zainab Salbi, an Iraqi American who is herself a survivor of the Iran/Iraq War, also counts Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan as its first Global Ambassador. 

Since its creation, Women for Women International has given hope to more than 290,000 women survivors of war and helped them move towards economic self-sufficiency with its year-long programs of direct aid, rights awareness, education, job skills training and small business development. Today, they operate offices in the following eight post-conflict countries: Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Sudan and are set to establish a presence in Asia. 

 ABOUT THE TREK

We will commence our trek to Everest Base Camp on October 28th 2012, returning on the 11th of November 2012. 

There will be 10 of us, led by the Everest summiteer Valerie Boffy and together as mothers, wives, daughters and like-minded individuals we will trek in aid of the charity Women for Women International. I am hoping to personally raise GDP $5,000 or SD $10,000.

The trek will take us 12-14 days to complete and will commence in the city of Lukla (2,860 meters - 9,383 ft.), through the Khumbu Valley, to culminate at Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters - 17,598ft) where the team, trekking under the banner of Women for Women, will plant prayer flags, prepared and designed by the children in our respective communities, carrying messages of hope for peace in the world.

I am funding the entire cost of the trek so that every £1 you donate goes straight to support this fantastic charity – Women for Women International. Please dig deep and give as much as you can - every £1 will make a huge difference!

This task will no doubt be one of the most demanding challenges I’ve ever faced, both mentally and physically. At 5,364 meters or 17,598 ft it will also be the highest altitude I’ve ever set foot on. I will definitely be visiting Bukit Timah Nature Reserve more than once a day to achieve this arduous task I can assure you!!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Even today, many women around the world are deprived of the most basic rights to freedom: the right to live in peace and happiness with their loved ones, the right to education, self accomplishment and expression, the right to live with respect and decency. And the right to speak freely without being publically humiliated.

Please support me in raising much-needed funds for Women for Women International. By supporting this fantastic cause you will help to protect hundreds of women around the world and also help raise awareness about their struggle. 

Here are some examples of Donation Amounts and how they will help:

£10 pays for pepper seeds to help women add variety to their diets in Sudan.

£30 provides literacy training to enable women to hold the key to knowledge and power.

£65  - A Bicycle – In countries like Rwanda and South Sudan, the women often use bicycles as their means of transportation from the farm to the market and back

£100 supports a women in Nigeria to become a co-operative leader in poultry farming, enabling her to run her own business and train other women in her community.  

£320 – An Oven - South Sudan/ DR Congo –.  By having a bread oven, women are able to create cooperatives and sell these products in the market or out of their home.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please dig deep and help us to make a difference today by donating as much or as little as you can. Every £1 counts :)

In loving memory of my father Pargan Singh Bharat. I’ll see you at the top dad!

Huge thanks

Neens xx