Laurel's Base Camp Everest trek

Laurel James is raising money for The Loomba Foundation
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Base camp Everest · 18 October 2019

The Loomba Foundation, a UN accredited global NGO, aims to promote the welfare and economic empowerment of disadvantaged widows and their children. We do this through a number of initiatives such as our sewing machine projects and education of children in different states in India.

Story

When I was travelling I watched the film Everest, and when you're travelling you think anything is achievable, and I thought to myself "I want to do that". Then reality set in and I realised I almost definitely wouldn't make it back. So I settled on the somewhat easier option of a 14 day trek to Base Camp. 

Whilst I've organised and paid for this trip myself, I thought it would be a good opportunity to raise money for charity. I've chosen The Loomba Foundation. 

I was inspired to donate to this charity after reading an article about two Nepali women who lost their Sherpa husband's on Everest. They climbed to the peak in April to help change perceptions about widows. (You can read more about what they did here - https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-nepal-everest-women/two-sherpa-widows-scale-everest-and-smash-stigma-idUSKCN1ST27I). 

In societies where women aren't seen as equal to men, a widow will lose value she had as a wife once her husband dies and can then be exploited, abused and discriminated against. Because of this prejudice, or even a general lack of skill, they find it hard to support themselves which can lead to prostitution, slavery, child labour and other forms of exploration. 

The Loomba Foundation provide skills training, equipment and funding to these widows to help them become independent, gain skills and start their own businesses. They also fund the education of children of widows which helps provide a better future for the whole family. 

About a third of all deaths on Everest have been Sherpas. They do one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, they don't just guide tourists and carry food and equiptment up the mountain but they also set up all of the ropes and ladders at the beginning of each season to accommodate the movements of the mountain. 

By supporting this charity it's helping the future of the families of these people who are risking their lives so we can experience something amazing. 

Thank you for your donation :) x

Donation summary

Total
£1,603.71
+ £337.55 Gift Aid
Online
£1,603.71
Offline
£0.00

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