Ian & Pauline have proved that you can still make a contribution to society and have adventure, even when you are past threescore years and ten! They joined a group of 11 others intending to do a Himalayan trek in aid of a fantastic hospital for people suffering from leprosy in Nepal. After a two day visit to the hospital and meeting staff and patients, there followed a bus ride of 8 hours and they were at Pokara ready to start the 7 day trek on the Siklis route in the Annapurna region. Seeing the great work the hospital is doing and realising how much more needs to be done was a real incentive for the days that followed!
This hospital gives a comprehensive service to leprosy affected people and their families. It provides multi drug therapy to cure their leprosy and is also renowned for its pioneering work in reconstructive surgery to restore usefulness to damaged limbs. It has teams which go out into the villages to educate and carry out treatment to patients in there own locations.
In addition, the hospital serves as a community hospital providing A&E, Primary Healthcare and Maternity units. It is financially supported and administered by The Leprosy Mission and run in partnership with the Nepalese government.
Hence The Trek!
It started at 3500 feet and climbed to 10000 feet. Overnight accomodation was in tents. The terrain made it a real challenge both going up and down. The group was united in its determination to achieve the goal and honour the trust of all the generous sponsors. We encouraged and supported each other and shared the wonderful Himalayan scenery and the 'namaste' greetings of the adults and children of the villages through which we passed. The Nepalese support team were fantastic; nothing was too much trouble.
For all of us, the 11 days in Nepal has given memories which will stay with us for ever.
Many thanks to all our sponsors. Your support has inspired us.
We recommend the trek to anyone. It is the experience of a lifetime!
For more details on The Leprosy Mission see www.leprosymission.org.uk
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