Local charity looking for trekkers to ‘take a hike’ with them in 2020

November 4, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

Hiking enthusiasts are being encouraged to support a local hospice charity by taking part in a trekking adventure in the UK or Tanzania next year.

Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens, Little Havens and The J’s are inviting intrepid walkers to join them on their National Three Peaks 24-hour challenge, 24-Peaks in 24-Hours challenge or their Kilimanjaro trek  and help them raise funds so they can continue to provide free, specialist care in the home, in the community and at their two hospices.

The National Three Peaks Challenge is the most highly regarded trekking challenge in the UK. 2020’s event is on 2th June at Fort William, taking in approximately 26 miles and 10,000 feet.

The 24-Peaks in 24-Hours Challenge takes walkers to the heart of the Lake District over the second weekend in September, tackling the first nine peaks on Saturday 12^th and completing the final fifteen on Sunday 13^th September.

For anyone wanting a trip of a lifetime can join Team Havens from 15^th to 25^th October in Tanzania on the charity’s Kilimanjaro climb, which will take the team from pristine rainforest to the vast Shira plateau and then onto the summit. 

Earlier this year, Leigh resident and Havens Hospice volunteer Michelle Holmes joined Team Havens for the National Three Peaks in 24-hours challenge, she wants to encourage as many people to take part in the 2020 treks as possible. 

Michelle explains, “I enjoy a challenge and have previously taken part in the London Marathon and several long-distance bike rides for charity. So, when I heard that Havens Hospices were hoping to get a team together for the National Three Peaks, I decided to sign up especially as I know how amazing the charity is through my volunteering with them.  I even talked one of the ladies, Emma Willey from my rowing team to join me!   

“The challenge itself was a truly amazing and emotional experience.  We had a very inspirational group of people doing the challenge with us and everyone worked as a team, helping and encouraging each other, especially when the tiredness kicked in. The guides were really supportive and extremely helpful - their knowledge of the mountains was exceptional, so you always felt safe and very prepared for each climb.

“Even though the climbs are tough, the views are stunning and the sense of achievement when you reach the summits, especially the last peak – Snowdon – is so very rewarding and emotional it makes it completely worth it!  

“It is a truly amazing experience - we raised lots of money to help Havens Hospices be there for everyone who needs them for as long as their needed, met some lovely people, saw some beautiful countryside and felt proud to have achieved and completed a tough challenge within the time bracket.  What’s not to like?”

If you’ve been inspired by Michelle and would like to join Team Havens in 2020 or you would like to find out more about the trek challenges please contact Challenges Fundraiser Emma Hamilton by calling 01702 220308 or email her on ehamilton@havenshospices.org.uk