Story
Thanks for visiting the Trek 2009 fundraising page in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability. Monique and Frances commence their trek challenge on 24th October 2009, see below for a detailed account of the challenges ahead.
Monique and Frances have a strong passion for Leonard Cheshire Disability, having worked in one of their services for many years, experiencing first hand the high standard of care and support given to their service users.
Assisting Frances and Monique with the frundraising are Lucie Kingston,Nicky Macdonald, Nadine Collington, Jayne Bottomley, Nicky Bowman and Jean Homewood.
Frances, who retired from Leonard Cheshire Disability some 18 months ago, has undertaken two treks over the past 10 years and thought her trekking days were over until Monique said ‘How about another trek before you hang up your boots’!!!!
So here we go ..............................
Vietnam - Northern Village Trek
This will be no holiday.
We fly from London Heathrow to Hanoi on a 13 hour flight departing on 24th October 2009.We then transfer by truck (5 hours) to Hoa Binh Province at Tan Lac passing through tapioca and sugar cane plantations where we meet our trek team. This is an area of outstanding beauty although the forests of Pu Loung are under threat from illegal hunting, fire and logging.
We will be staying in typical homesteads, in houses built on stilts, so will experience first-hand the everyday lifestyle and culture of the village people. Not only will we be raising money for Leonard Cheshire Disability, but also will be contributing to the these very poor communities.
We start our trek through dense forests to the remote valley of Ngo-Luong then steeply uphill to the village of Muoi perched high on the limestone hillside.. Part of our trek takes us on the original Ho Chi Minh Trail, crossing many streams on route. The area is mountainous and paths can become very slippery.
We will be trekking through very remote areas where the local people rarely see tourists and trekkers. . Our behaviour will impact on the future of trekking and eco-tourism in the area, so it is important that we behave with respect and sensitivity.
The weather will be extremely hot and humid, with torrential rain at times- this will add to our challenge. We will be away for 10 days, trekking between 7-9 hours per day without the luxury of any home comforts.
It will be a challenge but a worthwhile one and a great experience.
Please give us your support.
Thank you
Frances and Monique
PS Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor Frances and Monique: Leonard Cheshire Disability 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.