About …
Since 2001 I have travelled far and wide to raise funds for charity; firstly for the UK learning disability charity Mencap (2001-2008) and then for the visual impairment charity RP Fighting Blindness (2009, 2010, 2011).
Why? Well originally because Mencap publicity persuaded me that trekking in Patagonia (Chile) would be a fantastic adventure (which it was) and that I could raise enough sponsorship (definitely the tougher part of the challenge!). Subsequently, as well as having the travel bug, I learnt more and more about the importance of the charity’s work; Mencap do a fine job supporting and campaigning for people with learning disabilities.
In 2007 I started working for RP Fighting Blindness and instigated an overseas challenge programme there. Subsequently I have joined their treks in the capacity of charity representative, always personally raising funds towards the costs.
There are those that criticise the concept of sponsored charity challenges, especially those that take place abroad. This is understandable, and everyone is entitled to their views on this issue. If you are uncomfortable supporting RP Fighting Blindness via my own expedition activities, please use the link on the right to the charity’s own homepage and donate directly and independently of my efforts.
I undertook 5 sponsored treks over 7 years for Mencap, the last one with my wife, raising a total of early £19,000. Even taking into account the cost of air tickets, this contributes significantly to Mencap’s work – funds that otherwise would not have been raised.
Treks for RP Fighting Blindness have been to the Sahara Desert (2009) where the group raised a profit of over £55,000. Namibia in 2010 raised some £20,000 and Iceland in 2011 raised about £30,000. In addition the RP Fighting Blindness overseas challenge programme gives visually impaired and blind people the opportunity to experience adventure and excitement and overcome significant barriers to make some great personal achievements possible.
I hope you find the notes and pictures on this site interesting, especially if you are considering a charity sponsored challenge yourself. Feel free to email me (see link to the right), I am happy to share with you what I’ve learned over the last few years. I’ve visited some spectacular places, met some incredible people, and worked with some great teams over the treks. If you think you might be inspired to do something similar let me know.
This is a personal website totally independent of either charity, any views expressed are my own.
David
