Q Can you give me an idea of a typical day - what time you start/finish and what happens in the evenings - does it get dark early?
A A typical day is get woken up at first light, about 6.30, with a lovely hot cup of tea followed 20 mins later by a bowel of lovely hot washing water. This signals the time to get up, get ready and packed. Then breakfast is served in the mess tent at about 7-15ish. This lasts for about of an hour and then its off trekking. The staff porters and sherpas pack up all the equipment and gear whilst we head off on our days walking which is usually about 5-6 hours (with a break for lunch about midday). Lunch is usually a mixture of freshly cooked and packed food. This is dependent on conditions and availability etc but it is wholesome, nutritious and tasty as we spend a lot of training and time making sure you get the right food for the job.
The trekking is usually on beautiful, undulating ridges with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. We will walk through traditional villages, meeting local people and visiting some of the Community Action Nepal school projects. We will spend some time at the projects being entertained by the children, talking to the teachers and villagers etc.
We arrive at camp before dark, about 4pm ish, with hot tea drinks awaiting us. We then go to our tents, have a wash, get changed into warmer clothes and relax with fellow trekkers. A 3 course dinner is then provided by trained staff chefs about 7.30pm thereafter some more socializing, perhaps entertainment until bedtime which is usually about 9-10pm ish (depending on your sleep patterns). Sometimes we have open fires in the evening but we have to be environmentally sensitive about this activity. Darkness falls very quickly in the Himalayas so it is always a good idea as soon as you get into camp to get everything ready for when darkness arrives about 6.30pm (so you know where everything is). A head torch is a recommended piece of equipment with spare batteries.
Q How much we will have to raise in addition to the 3,500?
A Extras include 20.00 for a visa, 15.00 airport tax, tips for Nepalese staff of around 20 - 30 (not compulsory) plus spending money which is up to you. There are lots of lovely things to buy (shoppers paradise e.g. carpets, jewelry, clothes, trinkets etc i.e. anything from 50 minimum to 300 (spending spree!)
Q Could you give a bit more information about the difficulty or otherwise of the planned route. Is there a route description already on the trek company website that we could refer to?
A You will receive a copy of the trek route and it will also be on the Hepatitis C Trust website in the next few days. The trek company website does make reference to this trek but not in the detail that you would want. As to the difficulty of the route - it is graded 'easy'. Translated into lay persons terms I would say that means on average a five to six hour walking day along undulating ridges with one day particularly long (about 8 hours) to the top camp. We will climb in total (vertical height) about 12,000 feet over a period of 6 days. We will ensure that the pace of the trek suits everyone and we have excellent staff to help out whenever needed i.e. to carry your bag and water (and you!!) if needed.
Q How do you raise 3,500 in 8 months?
A In my experience it is a difficult task in this short period of time. However even if this honesty is the best policy I believe it still can be done. I believe that to raise this kind of money needs at least 9 months.
The best way to start is the obvious one and that is to hassle your friends, families and nearest and dearest colleagues/medical staff/ neighbors/ shopkeepers etc. I have found that these are the most generous and giving of people compared to companies unless of course you have connections in the right place which many people do including perhaps yourself or your friends.
Sometimes its a good idea to get together with other fundraisers and do it as a team. This make it easier to organize bigger events like barbeques, dances etc. The summer is coming and that is a good time with people in a good mood and outside events easier to organize especially events like sponsored walks that can involve a whole range of different people/abilities/ages etc and have fun at the same time.
I have found that once people get down to the hard work of fundraising a lot of good ideas start to flow by just speaking to people about fundraising. One situation that happened to me personally was that friends who were getting married asked people to donate to me instead of buying them presents and that simply happened as a result of chatting to them about fundraising.
Another simple idea that seems to work well is getting your friends to attend and contribute to a Bring and Buy Sale especially if you provide the vino to lubricate the bidding!
We also have a fundraising pack which is available from The Trust now just call The Hepatitis C Trust on 0207 0896220
Q Are there any wild animals or creepy crawlies that pose any threats?
A There are many wild animals in the jungle and forests where we trek but we very seldom see them. But are aware that they are there. As we are more than one they can hear us well before we notice them and they disappear very quickly so there are no threats to us. Nepal is fantastic for me as I dont like creepy crawlies that bite and poison. Nepal has very few of these insects that are any in way a threat. There are no mosquitoes at this height or time of year or any leeches. There is one poisonous snake like we have in the UK which is an adder- other than that there is nothing to worry about.
Q How do you think that someone who has hepatitis C and is leading a reasonably normal life but who is currently moderately symptomatic (ie fatigue, joint pain, night sweats etc) would cope with this trek? Do you think it would be too much?
A First of all I would like to say as a mountain guide and trek leader that I too have hepatitis C and have been going to Nepal doing this work for over 10 years. I even did a trek during treatment two years ago and managed ok. I know we are all different but I think someone like yourself who is moderately symptomatic and leads a reasonably normal life will be ok on this particular trek as it has been specially chosen, tried and tested by my company for this type of charity event. I have personally done this trek over 10 times with a variety of charity groups including Arthritis, Heart Foundation and disability groups and have had no real serious problems with everyone achieving their goals.
We conduct full risk assessments on each group which includes conditions of individual trekkers, evacuation procedures, medical assistance, food support, health, hygiene and pace of trek and can say I do not have any significant worries about your ability to complete the trek given the description in your post. However 100% guarantees cannot be given and in the event of any problems occurring sensitive and appropriate action would be taken to ensure that nobody is put at any undue risk.
Q What would happen if I became ill with liver complications while on the trek?
A It would depend on exactly what liver complications you were thinking about but as a general point and as somebody who knows hepatitis c inside out I would have no hesitation in ensuring your safety was paramount and appropriate evacuation procedures and or medical assistance would be a priority. Even though I am qualified in mountain first aid and attuned to the issues of hepatitis c we intend to have a doctor with us on the trek.
