Get in the spirit with the Dalai Lama Trek

The charity’s newly-launched Dalai Lama Trek, which takes place from 25th April to 5th May 2014, will cover approximately 70 kilometers in North East India through the foothills of the Himalayas beginning in Dharamsala, the home of his Highness, the Dalai Lama. Participants will fly to Delhi and after some free time to explore the city will travel by sleeper train and coach to reach the starting point for the trek in Dharamsala. During the ten day trek participants will walk for up to eight hours a day, through the kingdom of Gaddi, rhododendron forests, passing through Hindu settlements and Buddist Monasteries. They will experience amazing spectacular views of the Dhauldhar Mountain Range, natural springs and meadow land. After nine days of testing their physical fitness the group will finish off with a free day to with to visit the Taj Mahal. Alongside this incredible experience, trekkers will be raising vital funds for Action Cancer’s range of early detection and support services for those suffering from cancer in Northern Ireland and their families. These services include a unique breast screening programme for women aged between 40 – 49 and over 70, counselling, health promotion, and complementary therapy. Action Cancer Events Officer Leigh Chamberlain commented, “Everyone who participates in our overseas treks has their own reason for supporting Action Cancer. Whether they have been affected by cancer themselves, know someone who has been diagnosed or simply want a new challenge, they all have the same determination and dedication to raise vitals funds for the charity. As well as a fantastic opportunity to visit a new country, these challenges are a great way to motivate yourself, do something different and make new friends. Participants from Ballymoney will be helping people in the heart of their own community, as all funds raised from the Dalai Lama Trek will be spent right here at home. The minimum sponsorship is £3,300 which will provide over forty mammograms for women in Northern Ireland so people can really see how they can help their own community by taking part. Each trek participant will be fully supported by the Action Cancer team, who will offer advice and assistance with fundraising activities. In order to secure their place, participants pay a registration fee and also commit to raising a minimum sponsorship amount. However, a special Early Bird deal is currently available until 28th February which offers a significantly reduced registration fee plus a complimentary copy of The Lonely Planet Guide to Trekking in the Indian Himalaya. Anyone interested in taking part in this fantastic adventure is welcome to attend an information evening being held on 7th February 2013 in Action Cancer House 1 Marlborough Park, Belfast or contact Leigh Chamberlain on T: 028 9080 3369 or E: lchamberlain@actioncancer.org for an information pack.