For the last 10 years I have had the privilege of being a volunteer
doctor for Camp Simcha-a charity which exists to improve the quality of life for families suffering with serious childhood illness. My role includes
regularly attending retreats and outings, as well as sitting on Camp Simcha’s Medical Panel that oversees the policies and procedures of the organisation. My involvement has inspired my whole family, my daughter Natalia is a Big Sister volunteer and my sons Elliot and Rafi help in the office and pack goody bags for the children.

This year David and I, PG, are both celebrating special birthdays and have decided to set ourselves a real challenge and take part in Camp Simcha’s Yosemite Trek, raising vital funds for this wonderful organisation which has given so much to us as a family through our volunteering. David’s birthday is actually on the most strenuous day of the trek (I am obviously much younger :-)) when we will be undertaking a challenging ascent, the equivalent of climbing more than two Empire State buildings to the top of Upper Yosemite falls. Throughout the other 5 days of the trip, we will we will be trekking up to 12km every day.

We have never done any serious fundraising before and I assure you that this will be our one and only challenge. Seeing first-hand the huge amount of enjoyment and benefit the families receive from the activities and retreats that Camp Simcha provides is inspirational. In many cases it is simply a lifeline, which families cling to during the very difficult times they face in dealing with their child’s illness.

If you would like to find out more about Camp Simcha or about the trek-please visit their website  www.campsimcha.org.uk

Rather than receiving gifts for our birthdays, we would be thrilled if you
could help us in supporting Camp Simcha as we take on this formidable and exciting challenge! To contribute please donate here or alternatively you can drop cheques or charity vouchers at our house or send them to Sarah-Jayne Grahame at Camp Simcha (The House, 12 Queens Road, London, NW4 2TH) marked with our names on the back.

Thank you so much for your support.

Shelley and David