My next planned trek is in the Indian Himalayas, in November 2023. It starts near Dharamshala, far in the North of India, home to the Dalai Lama and exiled Tibetan community. It then follows the Uhl river valley into the heart of the world’s highest mountain range. The remote route goes through dense oak and rhododendron forests and up to mountain passes and peaks at around 3,000m (approx. 10,000ft). This is a height where the effects of altitude can start to be felt, and trekking 15-20km per day will feel more challenging than at home. Sleeping accommodation will be mainly in tents, and perhaps basic lodges, while night-time temperatures are likely to be below 0^oC.

[This trek replaces a planned trek in the Accursed Mountains of Albania, which was cancelled due to family illness/bereavement. Sponsorship for that trek has been received by Teenage Cancer Trust and "rolled over" to this replacement trek.]

Every year 2,500 young people are told they have cancer. Teenage Cancer Trust’s 28 specialist units within NHS hospitals bring young people aged between 13 and 24 together, to be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them. By bringing young people together they can support each other, and the charity provides professional support and care from the moment cancer is diagnosed until long after treatment is over. There are 92 funded Teenage Cancer Trust Nurses and Youth Support Coordinators.

And as well as being there for young people after diagnosis, Teenage Cancer Trust also spreads the word about the impact of cancer on young people in all sorts of ways. It does presentations in schools, helps medical professionals and politicians to understand why young people with cancer need specific support, and publishes a wide range of no-nonsense information resources.

This will be my 20th trek for Teenage Cancer Trust. There are reports of all my treks at my trekking website  www.trekraise.org/previous-treks 

Please don’t forget to tick the Gift Aid box as long as you pay enough tax in the UK. If you don't mind leaving your e-mail address, visible to me, when you donate, this will make it easy for me to send you a report of the trek. 

Thank you for your support!

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.