ABOUT THE TREK

In November 2024 I will embark on a self-funded trek to Bhutan, walking the Druk Path, in support of Sense International. Sense International is a charity working in eight countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Peru, and Romania, supporting the deafblind, some of the most marginalised people in society.

BHUTAN

Bhutan is a unique country that has been largely untouched and measures the wellbeing of its people by GDH Gross Domestic Happiness. It offers 'breathtaking' views in more senses than that. Bhutan is at an elevation of 3,000M which will be particularly challenging. During our trek, we will climb to 4,300M. Altitude will certainly slow our progress. We will be camping for most of the duration of the trek. I love my home comforts but will bear with sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag. Our trek costs are entirely self-funded so everything we raise will go directly to Sense International. I sincerely hope you will support me on this trek, knowing that your donation WILL change lives. Thank you.

ABOUT SENSE INTERNATIONAL & MY INVOLVEMENT IN THE CHARITY

For over 10 years, I have been a supporter of Sense International.

In 2018 as part of a group of 27, I embarked on my first trek to Annapurna Base Camp. This was to raise funds for Sense International. Upon arriving in Nepal, I saw firsthand how deafblind and sensory impaired communicate, using tapping and sign language. I was so moved by seeing the positivity and resilience of those I met, that it made my personal resolve to not only complete that trek, but also to get more directly involved with the cause.

We completed our trek and collectively raised substantial funds for Sense International. I was then invited to become a Trustee in 2019 and in September 2022 was elected Chair of the Board.

I have since visited Sense International Uganda. Our Patron HRH The Princess Royal, as part of her official trip to Uganda, visited our offices and personally met many of the deafblind children and families. While in Uganda, I visited schools, clinics, and hospitals and met many of the families Sense International supports.

From early intervention, testing babies at hospitals and rural clinics, identifying and supporting the children and their families, and offering access to education in mainstream schools with assisted support and home schooling using technology to provide classes.

A deaf and partially sighted child with his teaching support assistance at a school in Uganda.

We ensure that people with deafblindness can access education, healthcare, and the means to earn a living, so they can thrive and live life to their full potential.

Sense International is the only international non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting people with deafblindness and their families around the world.

In March 2023, I visited India. We visited a school, a teacher training facility, and a small work facility where again I was both touched and deeply moved by the dedication of the staff and teachers working with deafblind and sensory-impaired children and young adults.

In India, Sense International operates almost countrywide. Training teachers, offering vocations to young adults, and supporting the families of deafblind and sensory impaired.

Deafblind children being taught sensory skills with fruit, touching smelling and tasting.

We identify children with deafblindness as early as possible in life so that, with the right support, they are able to thrive. We improve access to quality education and vocational training so that children and young people with deafblindness can become independent, establish a livelihood, and meet their full potential.

Together we can build a brighter future for people with deafblindness. This year we celebrate 30 years since Sense International was first established. We have touched over 1 million lives during that time. With your support we can not only continue this incredible work, helping to change lives, but we can go even further and together we can ensure no one is left behind.

What can a donation fund?

• £10,000 Could provide training and tailored support to 100 families and caregivers for up to 3 months in helping families to communicate with their children.

• £5,000 Could screen 1000 children to identify any sight and/or hearing impairments as early as possible, helping children have a better chance in life.

• £3,000 Could allow 30 Teachers to attend a 2-day training on deafblindness and inclusive education, inspiring safe and supportive places to learn.

• £1,000 Could support a young person with deafblindness to attend a vocational training course to learn new skills and improve their livelihood.

• £500 Could provide seed funding for a young person to start their own business.

• £100 Could test 20 newborn babies to identify sight

It has been said – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”

Thank you for reading this and for your support.