Raised: 102%
Target: £5,000.00
Raised so far: £5,076.85
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My story

 

Well the trek to north Vietnam is over - and what an amazing experience!  We saw some unforgettable sights up in the beautiful hills - from majestic water buffalo to comical Vietnamese potbellied pigs and stayed with host families, including a delightful family from the Red Dao tribe, one of a number of charismatic ethnic minority communities that inhabit this spectacular area of northern Vietnam. Oh, and we stumbled across some rather revolting leeches that attached themselves to our walking boots and tee-shirts. There were fifteen trekkers in all and together we crossed dodgy suspension bridges and fast-flowing rivers and ducked beneath row upon row of massive spider webs (quite an ordeal for  one trekker who is arachnophobic), walking for up to 10 hours a day on occasions. 

On the final day we visited Animals Asia's moon bear sanctuary,which is located in the beautiful Tam Dao National Park, a couple of hours from Hanoi. The bears, including several cubs, were a delight, romping around without a care in the world. We had seen these magnificent creatures on the internet, but nothing quite prepares you for seeing them in the flesh. It was a delight to witness their obvious joy at being free from fear and pain.  It just makes you want to walk a hundred more miles to bring this miserable bear bile trade to an end.  

As you know, the challenge for the trekkers (what a lovely, funny group of people they are) has been to raise as much money as possible for Animals Asia Foundation, which is working tirelessly to rescue Asiatic black bears (also known as moon bears because of the distinctive golden crescent on their chest) from the barbaric bear bile farms in China, and also to raise awareness of the role and value of dogs and cats as companion animals - rather than dinner. 

My challenge was also carried out in memory of my sister, Alex, who was an animal lover too - she's pictured with her rescued cat, Charlie.

I've paid for the flights, accommodation, expenses etc myself so that every penny raised through donations will go to help the animals.  Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Animals Asia Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

The sponsored Underwater Chess Match in September went really well.  We will know the final figure hopefully at the end of October.  The proceeds from this event will be shared between AAF and Help for Heroes.  Watch this space!

Thank you for your continued support. PS. If you have a little time, please visit AAF's website at www.animalsasia.org to see the enormous challenges they face in trying to bring an end to the vile bear bile trade, and in restoring respect for all animals across Asia.  It'll inspire you, I promise!


All the best Sue! Donation by jmeel Allen 30/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

You are doing a wonderful thing.I hope the adventure it brings is all you want it to be and more.Lesley.xx Donation by Lesley Elcock 10/09/09  

£21.00 + £5.92 Gift Aid

Best of Luck Sue. Donation by Carrie and Geoff 28/05/09  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Best wishes Sue - rather you than me! Donation by Tina Williams 26/05/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Sue. Lets hope this vile trade will come to an end soon. Donation by Rosie Selden 02/04/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

A very worthy cause. Best wishes. Donation by Russ Hawkins 26/03/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

From someone who has been touched by your efforts for such a worthwhile cause. Good luck Donation by Linda McAuley 13/03/09  

£53.00 + £14.95 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Amy Sclater 24/02/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Sue what a great cause. Hope to see you soon Donation by YVONNE JAMES 07/02/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

A wonderful and worthy thing to do Sue especially with the memories of your sister.I do hope your knees hold out! Donation by tony b. 28/12/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

I'll be in Vietnam for Christmas/NY so I'll tell the Vietnamese you'll be there soon. Good luck fantastic cause and what an experience! Donation by Jules Bernie 15/10/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Go Sue! Donation by Sarah Kinsella 09/10/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Sue - a fantastic cause! Donation by Carol Cörvers 06/10/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

My dog agrees with not being a dinner! Good luck! Donation by MARK HAIG 22/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

good luck, Sue - we're proud of you Donation by Stan and Shirley 19/08/08  

£10.00

Hope everything goes well! Donation by Spring Associates Ltd 19/08/08  

£50.00

You can't leave Martin with the kids they will starve, Good Luck Donation by Lawrence Crawford 11/08/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by TridonicAtco UK Ltd 11/08/08  

£100.00

Hope all goes well Donation by Lin Danher 05/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

good luck Donation by robert burwood 04/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Sounds like a very long walkie! Donation by Patches 29/07/08  

£25.00

Donation by david mallett 28/07/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Keep on trekking! (and no moon bares) Donation by Ian C 26/07/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done you and good luck in your adventure Donation by Gill Moran 24/07/08  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Good Luck Sue. Hope Martin is safe to leave at home on his own! Donation by Simon Allard 24/07/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck on your trip & take plenty of plasters! Donation by Vince Clegg Robert Owen Creative Photo 23/07/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

I do Hope you achieve your goal Good Luck Stay Well Keep Safe and try to put an end to this vile bile trade Donation by Alan Burleigh 23/07/08  

£100.00

I'll look out for you yomping through Formby woods - very best of luck x Donation by Caroline and Roger 21/07/08  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Just make sure YOU come home never mind Martin & the Bears, WE will miss you, go get em Tiger GOOD LUCK. Donation by Joe & Glenda 21/07/08  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

anyone else would have run along formby beach but not you! good luck you really do amaze me... Donation by Jackie and Hannah Rankin 21/07/08  

£10.00
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* Total raised online: £1,329.00
  Offline donations: £3,747.85
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £192.92

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