tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46079183804521318552024-03-13T04:55:56.669-07:00Dream ChallengesAll the latest news on our life changing events. Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-37809235164751717022015-12-22T04:51:00.004-08:002016-01-07T03:19:39.761-08:00Trek Uganda 2016 Event Itinerary <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">This superb
trekking itinerary is located in the Ugandan highlands and takes us from the
Virunga volcanoes to ‘The Impenetrable Forest’ of Bwindi, home to Uganda’s
mountain gorilla population which numbers around 320, approximately half the
total number remaining in the world.</span></div>
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in the south western corner of Uganda where the terrain consists of volcanic
mountains and deep valleys and is close to the borders of Rwanda and The
Democratic Republic of Congo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our Trek Uganda
challenge offers a tough and varied trekking experience with the added bonus
and ‘must see’ experience of a possible close encounter with mountain gorillas
in their natural habitat. Found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest the mountain
gorillas are accompanied by a treasure-trove of species that have populated
this 25,000 year old forest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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destination is the Nkuringo Gorilla Camp which is perched on a hill-top that
overlooks the forest canopy and affords visitors magnificent, unconstrained
views.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Overnight flight from London
to </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kigali, Rwanda.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On arrival in Rwanda we have a <span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 hour overland
transfer that takes us into Uganda to the small town of Kisoro where will have late
lunch before continuing our journey to the start point for our trek at Mgahinga
National Park and the Mgahinga Rest Camp, our home for the next two nights.
This is where we meet our local guides who will brief us on the adventure that
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we will trek into the bamboo zone on the lower slopes of the
volcanoes to track golden Monkeys, and endangered species that is only found in
this remote part of Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After breakfast we break camp and begin
our trek north towards Kisoro. Our trek today takes us through an area of
volcanic craters some of the slopes of which are being cultivated by the
indigenous Bakiga farmers and home also to the Batwa pygmies. We camp tonight
at Lake Mutanda Eco Camp. <b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Day 5 </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lake Mutanda Eco Camp – Nshongi Camp </span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continue today in a northerly direction and having made our way down
to the shore of Lake Mutanda we board dug-out canoes to be piloted up the lake
by local tribesmen. The 2.5 hour journey takes us to Rwanjenje on the northern
shore. From here we start a six hour trek to
Rushaga at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and where we find our
overnight accommodation at Nshongi Camp where we can dine under the stars by
the roaring campfire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will continue the trek north to
Nkuringo Gorilla Camp. This is a challenging walk that skirts the edge of
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Nkuringo Gorilla Camp is located on a hill top
at<span style="color: #53503d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>2161m on the Nteko
Ridge which provides superb views across the Kashasha river valley to the
forested hill known as 'Nkuringo' and the surrounding swathe of trees of the
Bwindi Forest. The camp has panoramic views of the majestic volcanoes of the
Virunga chain and across the escarpment into the Albertine Rift Valley within
the DR Congo. Overnight at camp.<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half the group will enter the forest
today to track the Nkuringo Gorilla Family Group, while the other half can
relax in camp or take a guided tour of the local Nkuringo Community.<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final group today will track the
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-30621533762028326402015-12-17T01:32:00.004-08:002015-12-17T01:32:55.263-08:00Team Challenge 2015 Highlights...<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Firstly a big huge well done to all of our wonderful staff for making 2015 truly an epic year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have received such amazing feedback from our participants about how our staff are so on point when it comes to organisation, friendly service and creating quality challenges we couldn't be prouder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For anyone considering taking on a challenge, you will be in safe hands from start to finish! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, to round off the our Blog for 2015 we thought we would ask team challenge for their highlights of the year which saw 4000 people participate and where we raised over £4.3 million for various charities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ann, Director of Action for Charity and Dream
Challenges</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My Highlight
for 2015 was the Regain Sports Award Lunch – Action for Charity Have been
organising the lunch for 15 years and it has been a delight To have witnessed
over those years the joy of tetraplegics at the lunch Giving them an
opportunity to all meet up and share their ups and downs Over the year whilst
enjoying a lovely meal and having a few drinks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was
particularly poignant this year to witness The Tetraplegic Achievement in Sport
award being presented to Nathalie McGloin who became tetraplegic at 16. Here is
the picture of her being Presented the award – looking so modest – considering
she is the Only female racing driver with a spinal injury in the UK. It
was A great highlight as she was so
happy to receive the award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>Calum, Director of Action for
Charity and Dream Challenges</b></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My highlight
was definitely Trek Uganda in Jan/Feb. Attached is a picture of a friend I made
along the way who carried my walking stick in return for several Galaxy
Minstrels!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike, Director
of Dream Challenges</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Highlight
for 2015 would have to be the success of the Ben Nevis Charity Challenge Event.
In only its second year it was a great achievement to have 111 teams
participating in June and 48 teams in September.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Susan,
Operations Manager </b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My highlight
was Race the Sun Brecon Beacons in June where, after a very successful event,
we celebrated lovely Trish’s 60<sup>th</sup> birthday in style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Abigail, Finance Manager <o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My highlight
was seeing all the ladies warming up for Ride the Night at Windsor
racecourse. The atmosphere was wonderful, so many inspirational
women in once place looking so bright and colourful (lots of pink!) ahead of
their challenge. A very emotional time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Chrissy, <span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Operations Assistant
Action for Charity</span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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My highlight of the year was at our Race the Sun Brecon Beacons event when Ann
pulled up alongside a team of cyclists and proceeded to ask them why they did
not have their helmets, and told them they did have one at the start even
though they tried to tell her they hadn’t. They eventually decided they would
buy one at the next town and they looked very sheepish, only for Susan (on the
right in the picture) to see their race numbers pinned onto their t-shirts
stated they were taking part in a completely different event and were not part
of our event. Ann apologised an drove off to our next location. At least she
was thinking of safety first no matter whose event! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sophie, <span class="textbold"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; line-height: 107%; padding: 0cm;">Challenge Event
Organiser Dream Challenges</span></span><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My highlight is
going on the LTFC in the Jordan Desert as this was my first international event
for Dream Challenges. It was an amazing event, saw beautiful views and trekked
with inspiring people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Haylie, Challenge
Event Organiser Dream Challenges</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My 2015
highlight would have to be Tree planting on Trek Borneo! Feeling Ive contributed
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah, <span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Challenge Event
Organiser Dream Challenges</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My highlight of
the year was going on my first Dream Challenges event – The Ben Nevis Charity
Challenge. It was such a great atmosphere and was lovely to meet all the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">participants!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">High fives team!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Team challenge look forward to helping you #Make2016Count! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-62011508700228494432015-12-15T07:15:00.002-08:002015-12-15T07:15:32.536-08:00#Make2016Count<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUgA2W3J1I4/VnAs_nyEhuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/wySN50RWbBw/s1600/Abigail%2Bhighlight%2BWOMEN_V_CANCER_RIDE_THE_NIGHT_039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUgA2W3J1I4/VnAs_nyEhuI/AAAAAAAAAi0/wySN50RWbBw/s640/Abigail%2Bhighlight%2BWOMEN_V_CANCER_RIDE_THE_NIGHT_039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each new year that arrives gives the opportunity to take on a new challenge! Problem is when it comes down to it getting the inspiration and the motivation to put the wheels in motion can be tricky. We blame this on many different reasons... I am too old, too over weight or I just don't have enough time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, a bit of inspiration for you is that in 2015 we had 4000 people take on our challenges and we know that each person had different levels of fitness, variety of reasons for doing the challenge, a range of ages and all from different walks of life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We wanted to delve a bit deeper and so here is the story of how our repeat participant Janet Duchenese found her motivation to take on a challenge for the last three years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I vowed to help the community...</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HuUBnKJNe-A/VnAtWHKTtMI/AAAAAAAAAi8/NthRTj0afMU/s1600/DSCN8174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HuUBnKJNe-A/VnAtWHKTtMI/AAAAAAAAAi8/NthRTj0afMU/s640/DSCN8174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I signed up
for the<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Jordan-2016"> Jordan trek </a>2015 after completing the Uganda trek the year before in
2014. We signed up for Uganda to raise money for <a href="http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/">Alzheimer’sResearch UK</a> as Steve’s father has Dementia and many of our friends also
have family suffering from this.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szj__bLTkuU/VnAtmZqUMsI/AAAAAAAAAjE/wwf0o-4fQSA/s1600/DSC03126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szj__bLTkuU/VnAtmZqUMsI/AAAAAAAAAjE/wwf0o-4fQSA/s640/DSC03126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While in
<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Uganda-2016">Uganda</a> we came across the Nkuringo Foundation and Primary School near our last
camp where we saw the gorillas. I vowed to help the community which is
without running water or electricity and where many children are unable to go
to school. I signed up for the Jordan trek to help this village.
Since then we have a 100 strong sponsorship and have helped 75 children attend
school – plus providing clothes, shoes and musical instruments for the
community (Dream Challenges as an organisation is a sponsor!).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlToeIuRKzg/VnAtuEiamSI/AAAAAAAAAjM/jWBIND37aPY/s1600/DSC03073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlToeIuRKzg/VnAtuEiamSI/AAAAAAAAAjM/jWBIND37aPY/s640/DSC03073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are now
raising money to build two more classrooms as the project has been so
successful there is no more space in the school! We have started to help
a small pigmy reservation near the village as well as paying for three pigs and
a sow to provide the children with a more varied diet (from their piglets –
these will remain breeding pigs).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All the work
my husband Steve and I have done is thanks to the inspiration of Dream
Challenges. We have just started the building project for classrooms with
our ladder challenge – started yesterday and already four rungs in!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have signed
up to <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">trek India</a> next year with Dream Challenges – also for this school and
community.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLBCtMYLneE/VnAt1GpDWNI/AAAAAAAAAjU/f7q03HDjNJk/s1600/Local%2Bladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLBCtMYLneE/VnAt1GpDWNI/AAAAAAAAAjU/f7q03HDjNJk/s640/Local%2Bladies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steve and I
will be 62 when we do the India trek. The last three years have been a
roller coaster thanks to Dream Challenges – and we aint finished yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#Make2016Count </b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZH2Eq5NEj8/VnAt-oRkLdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/mEk8UrOvG9I/s1600/Snowdon%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZH2Eq5NEj8/VnAt-oRkLdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/mEk8UrOvG9I/s640/Snowdon%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to Janet for sharing your story with us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">To all of you thinking about taking on a new challenge even if you don't sign up for a 2016 challenge use 2016 to prepare for one of our 2017 challenges! Check out our </span><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">website</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> for all the details. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We cant wait to help you #Make2016Count! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span><br />
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-32961645680920963322015-12-10T02:02:00.003-08:002015-12-10T02:07:46.321-08:00All I want for Christmas is you… <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Mariah Carey once said, all I want for Christmas is you
and when it comes to our 2016/17 challenges these lyrics </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">couldn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> be truer with
all of them set to be EPIC you will want them all!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the Perfect Challenge Bucket List for you to send
to Santa...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear
Santa…<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been very good this year and next year I want to be
even better by taking on a new challenge and raising money for a really good
cause. So here is my bucket list for 2016…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be
part of a team...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year I want to join together with my colleagues or
friends to take on a challenge to raise money for charity. Here are the top team challenges I would like
to do…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge </a>–T<span style="background: white;">eams of four are challenged to climb Ben Nevis, cycle 25
miles (on road) and canoe Loch Lochy.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Race-the-Sun-Lake-District-2016">Race the Sun Lake District </a>- Teams<span style="background: white;"> of four are challenged to cycle 50 miles, climb
Helvellyn and canoe Lake Thirlmere. Starting at sunrise and finishing by
sunset - Racing the Sun!</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be on
top of the world...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPoPjv-Pp44/VmlLlk44o9I/AAAAAAAAAhk/77MgandGfNM/s1600/Mount%2BKili%2Bfinihs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPoPjv-Pp44/VmlLlk44o9I/AAAAAAAAAhk/77MgandGfNM/s640/Mount%2BKili%2Bfinihs.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What better way than to feel on top of the world than to
climb a mountain? So Santa please can I go on a once in a<span style="background: white;"> life-time trek to the summit of <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Mount-Kilimanjaro-Trek-2016">MountKilimanjaro</a> and raise funds for charity.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At <span style="background: white;">5896m Mt
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and is rightly referred to as
'the roof of Africa’ so it really will feel like I am on top of the world! </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Support
a children’s charity…<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QT6AKRPR7Kc/VmlLvb-AUGI/AAAAAAAAAhs/QoRoq0BXd3I/s1600/jordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QT6AKRPR7Kc/VmlLvb-AUGI/AAAAAAAAAhs/QoRoq0BXd3I/s640/jordan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would like to trek through the stunning Himalayas
and raise funds for a children's charity of my choice. Therefore Santa all I
want for Christmas is…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">Let's Trek for Children inIndia</a> entails five days of trekking starting in Dharamsala the spiritual home
of the Dalai Lama. Trekking through spectacular mountain landscapes and sleep
under the stars in remote mountain camps as we head for our finish line at Laka
Got (3,550m) well above the Himalya snow-line. This amazing Indian adventure
culminates with a visit to the breath-taking Taj Mahal in Agra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Help beat
cancer...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2016 I want to make a difference and help raise money
for cancer charities. There are lots of amazing challenges I can do this for
but on my bucket list I would like to put….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">Britain V Cancer </a>- Hike the Himalayas in
beautiful Nepal to raise funds for the cancer charity or hospice of my choice.The
challenge is on to trek to Poon Hill (3,210m) in the stunning Annapurna region.
The trek will take us through charming Nepalese villages where we
will experience the culture of the mountain people of Nepal first hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Support
the fight against heart disease…<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK, with
someone having a heart attack every 7 minutes. In 2016 I want to help the fight
against heart disease by taking part in the following challenge to raise funds
for a heart charity of my choice…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">The Big Heart Bike Ride in Africa</a> entails
five days of consecutive cycling for a distance of 360km across Tanzania,
starting in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and finishing at the impressive
Ngorongoro Crater, where there will be the option to do a safari. Along the way
we will cycle past three national parks and experience the life and culture of
the colourful Maasai tribe in their natural environment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Challenge
my fitness...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each year after I have scoffed my last mince pie of the festive
season I think next year I will get fit and challenge myself. In 2016 I am
going to make this happen. So what better way than to have a challenge to aim for
giving me a real carrot to work towards. Santa, on my bucket list please can I
put…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Jordan-2016">Trek Jordan</a> entails five days of trekking
starting at the Dead Sea and finishing at the red rock city of Petra.
Accompanied by Bedouin guides you will trek through mountain and desert terrain
using ancient trails. You will sleep under the stars in remote desert camps en
route to the beautiful city of Petra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trek Jordan is open to
people of all ages and from all walks of life who will come together to do
something amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Start
a new hobby and meet new people…<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OK, so I admit that in 2013 I started spinning as my new hobby and only
went twice. But this year it will be different as I will have something to train
for to keep myself motivated and on track. This year I am going to start cycling
so Santa all I want for Christmas is… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London to Paris Bike Ride </a>- The challenge is on to
cycle 237 miles in just three days! The ride will take you through rolling
English countryside and the breath-taking panorama of Northern France to a
spectacular finish at the Eiffel Tower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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huge amount of fun and friendship along the way as cyclists of all abilities
take up this special challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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the world in a different way...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtmTg77c0wM/VmlNOQ5eJlI/AAAAAAAAAic/Hn2sEdfxsPY/s1600/Cycle%2BChina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtmTg77c0wM/VmlNOQ5eJlI/AAAAAAAAAic/Hn2sEdfxsPY/s640/Cycle%2BChina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love travelling and seeing the world! And 2016 I want to
do travel in a different way experiencing cultures and landscapes close up. So
Santa all I want for Christmas is…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Cycle-China-2016">Cycle China </a>- Join us for a spectacular 400km
cycle challenge across the Beijing province and visit the amazing Great Wall of
China to raise funds for the charity of your choice. The challenge entails five
days of cycling and en-route we will visit remote sections of the Great Wall of
China. The cycling is challenging but the panoramic views are stunning. At the
end of the challenge there is the opportunity to explore Beijing and its
Forbidden City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Borneo-2016">Trek Borneo - </a>The challenge is on to trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu,
Malaysia's highest peak at 4,095m. There will be a real sense of adventure as
you have the opportunity to undertake day and night time treks in the Bornean
rain forest. However the highlight for most on the challenge will be a visit to
the Orangutan sanctuary in Sepilok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be a part of something AMAZING! <o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Ride-the-Night-2016"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQrQOLCVCbI/VmlNqGMhOXI/AAAAAAAAAik/s2_Wo3EHoeA/s640/Abigail%2B2000%2Bfemales%2Bwarm%2Bup%2Bto%2Btheme%2Btune%2B%2527Night%2BFever%2527%2Bat%2BWindsor%2BRacecourse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2016 I want to say I did that! I want to say I was part
of that! With all the bucket list challenges I know I will have achieved something
amazing and supported great charities by doing it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2015 over 4000 people took part in Dream Challenges and
Action for Charity 20 challenges raising a staggering £4 million pounds for a variety
of charities. There are so many more ways I could get involved to #Make2016Count
and I can’t wait! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-60187771148408563892015-12-03T03:29:00.002-08:002015-12-03T03:29:26.184-08:00Wow, 2015 what a year!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2015 has been an epic year in the Dream Challenges and Action
for Charity offices. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nearly four thousand of you wonderful people took part in one or more
of the 20 challenges. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are always so proud of our challengers and this year has
been no exception!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In total your hard work has raised nearly a staggering four
million pounds a variety of charities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So where did this year take us? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We thought we would take a quick look at all the challenges we
have run this year….let us know your highlights in the comment box below
please! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Uganda-2016">Trek Uganda</a> </b>– nineteen of you took this amazing trek on through
‘The Impenetrable Forest’ in Uganda’s mountainous far southwestern tip, who
enjoyed tracking Mountain Gorillas? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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you took on a 470km cycle challenge in rural Rajasthan to raise funds for the
heart charity of your choice. You raised a whopping £165k for heart charities!
What was your favourite moment? Seeing the Taj Mahal or completing the event? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Mount-Kilimanjaro-Trek-2016">Mount Kilimanjaro Trek</a> - </b>I bet our challengers who kick started 2015 by doing this<b> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">once in a life-time trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro will find February 2016 a little tamer! At 5896m Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and is rightly referred to as 'the roof of Africa' and you wonderful people have now been to the top. High fives team! </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag1z6NYL1Gg/VmAhQjni6XI/AAAAAAAAAfA/BBfTfkhqSzs/s1600/jordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag1z6NYL1Gg/VmAhQjni6XI/AAAAAAAAAfA/BBfTfkhqSzs/s640/jordan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016"><b>Lets Trek for Children Jordan</b> </a>– This event was all about raising
money for children’s charities and you did just that raising a huge £33k between
just thirty four of you. The Jordan Desert Trek entailed five days of trekking
starting at the Dead Sea and finishing in the red rock city of Petra.
Accompanied by Bedouin guides trekked through mountain and desert terrain using
ancient trails. Who enjoyed sleeping under the stars in the Desert camps? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpDs6l2X0uI/VmAhYC8_ZoI/AAAAAAAAAfI/NiaLQWW7BQk/s1600/Abigail%2B2000%2Bfemales%2Bwarm%2Bup%2Bto%2Btheme%2Btune%2B%2527Night%2BFever%2527%2Bat%2BWindsor%2BRacecourse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpDs6l2X0uI/VmAhYC8_ZoI/AAAAAAAAAfI/NiaLQWW7BQk/s640/Abigail%2B2000%2Bfemales%2Bwarm%2Bup%2Bto%2Btheme%2Btune%2B%2527Night%2BFever%2527%2Bat%2BWindsor%2BRacecourse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Ride-the-Night-2016">Women V Cancer Ride the Night</a></b> – This epic event reached new
heights this year with nearly 2000 of you taking part in the 100k bike ride in
London – it was a sea of pink tutus and tshirts as you cycled raising money for
Breast Cancer Care, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jos Cervical Cancer Trust. The fundraising
total reached dizzying heights of £950k!!! Why not join us in 2016 and help us
raise more? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>June…</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOPJzz1mOPc/VmAhrBOvGXI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/KHxZwIw9KGA/s1600/fastest%2Bteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOPJzz1mOPc/VmAhrBOvGXI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/KHxZwIw9KGA/s640/fastest%2Bteam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge</a> </b>– This year eighty eight teams
of four climbed Ben Nevis, cycled 25 miles and canoed a loch all against the
clock, in total they raised £250k for a variety of charities! The winning team arriving
first in seven hours and fifteen minutes where Character Builders South West, a
team of four brothers raising funds for Devon Air Ambulance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vld9GMpgn0M/VmAh8yaZ77I/AAAAAAAAAfY/vBSBFwG7OYU/s1600/Snowdon%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vld9GMpgn0M/VmAh8yaZ77I/AAAAAAAAAfY/vBSBFwG7OYU/s640/Snowdon%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Snowdonia-Charity-Challenge-2016">Snowdonia Charity Challenge</a></b> - High fives to all two hundred and eighty eight of you who
took on this challenge for completing the<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">
40 miles of cycling, climbing Snowdon and canoeing Lake Gwynant! You raised
£204k </span>for Regain the only charitable organisation dedicated solely to improving
the lives of men and women who have become tetraplegic in a sporting accident.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXZswLNuGww/VmAiG1sa-5I/AAAAAAAAAfg/b4iZKofy7UU/s1600/RTSBB%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXZswLNuGww/VmAiG1sa-5I/AAAAAAAAAfg/b4iZKofy7UU/s640/RTSBB%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Race-the-Sun-Brecon-Beacons-2016">Race the Sun Brecon Beacons</a> -</b> Three hundred and twenty eight of in your teams met at
sunrise <span style="line-height: 107%;">in the stunning Brecon Beacons. Your challenge was to cycle
47 miles, climb Pen y Fan and canoe the Pontsticill Reservoir. You all raced
the sun finishing at sun set raising an impressive £204k for which will support
the work of children's charity Action Medical Research, offering hope to the
many thousands of families across the UK. Cant wait to see you all next year!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw4_2msXwZ8/VmAiPYj25XI/AAAAAAAAAfo/pCMbT1VCm0s/s1600/3%2BPeaks%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw4_2msXwZ8/VmAiPYj25XI/AAAAAAAAAfo/pCMbT1VCm0s/s640/3%2BPeaks%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/3-Peaks-Challenge-2016">Three Peaks Challenge- </a></b>Talk about ticking three things of a bucket list all in one
challenge! That’s what one hundred and fifty of you did in July when in teams
you climbed Ben Nevis, Scaffel Pike and Snowdon raining £67k for Action Medical
Research. Who enjoyed the well earnt breakfast at the foot of Snowdon?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvCfgD4xRV8/VmAih7mRQhI/AAAAAAAAAfw/hKlAleAB9WM/s1600/Mercers%2BGroup%2BShot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvCfgD4xRV8/VmAih7mRQhI/AAAAAAAAAfw/hKlAleAB9WM/s640/Mercers%2BGroup%2BShot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tour De Mercers </b>- Our bespoke event for The Mercers Charitable Foundation “Tour
De Mercers” saw the team cycle for six days from Berwick upon Tweed to Mercers
Hall in the City of London. This challenge was not for the weak legged as they
took on hills, cycled rough terrain, navigated towns…you name it they cycled
it!!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq1IN-gtd9w/VmAix0ootbI/AAAAAAAAAgA/WiBYPgpDyaQ/s1600/RTS%2BLakes%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq1IN-gtd9w/VmAix0ootbI/AAAAAAAAAgA/WiBYPgpDyaQ/s640/RTS%2BLakes%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Race-the-Sun-Lake-District-2016">Race the Sun Lake District </a>- </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;">This year two hundred and twenty of you raised a
huge £142k to support the work of children's charity Action Medical Research. You
worked hard for your sponsorship by cycling 50 miles, climbing Helvellyn and
canoe Lake Thirlmere. Starting at sunrise and finishing by sunset
- Racing the Sun!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyRr5FKaCpY/VmAjJnZ9D5I/AAAAAAAAAgI/FgigBG8-71c/s1600/L2P%2Bfinish%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyRr5FKaCpY/VmAjJnZ9D5I/AAAAAAAAAgI/FgigBG8-71c/s640/L2P%2Bfinish%2Bline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London to Paris </a>-</b> This ride was just epic with one hundred and twenty of
you creating great camaraderie before and during this three day cycle from
London to Paris. How proud are you all for cycling <span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">237
miles in just three days raising £130k for charity? What was your favourite
moment – the Eifel tower finish perhaps? </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBplOfiPRuY/VmAjcviIxNI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/kju4Qijqq8k/s1600/Ben%2BNevis%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBplOfiPRuY/VmAjcviIxNI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/kju4Qijqq8k/s640/Ben%2BNevis%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge </a></b>- Due to the challenge filling up so quickly in June we ran
two Ben Nevis Charity Challenges this year! With two hundred and sixteen of you
raising £93k for charities on the second event we are glad that we did! High
fives to you all, you can now officially say #BeenThereDoneNevis</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfhg2z94y2Y/VmAjzVJ0T0I/AAAAAAAAAgY/RVUSrQpXDYg/s1600/GWOC%2Bfinishline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfhg2z94y2Y/VmAjzVJ0T0I/AAAAAAAAAgY/RVUSrQpXDYg/s640/GWOC%2Bfinishline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017"><b>Great Wall of China Trek</b> -</a> Step by step was the motto of this trek! The video and the
photos say it all. This was no easy challenge, taking our eighty six
particpants to dizzying heights with stunning views but hard work along the
way. Paid off with a staggering £22k raised for a variety of charities.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsE_o9uWf0o/VmAkhLepEmI/AAAAAAAAAgk/jQ4tmI6PvV4/s1600/DSC02874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsE_o9uWf0o/VmAkhLepEmI/AAAAAAAAAgk/jQ4tmI6PvV4/s640/DSC02874.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Cycle-China-2016">Cycle Cuba</a></b>- Viva Cuba! This event is one of our director Ann Frampton’s
favourite as she loves the Cuban life. Highfives to all sixty nine of you who raised
£150k for a variety of charities on this 400km across this fun island.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TH1Kn_tMaxo/VmAkq1O6ojI/AAAAAAAAAgs/jAbEIecjvz8/s1600/Group%2B3%2Bfinish%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TH1Kn_tMaxo/VmAkq1O6ojI/AAAAAAAAAgs/jAbEIecjvz8/s640/Group%2B3%2Bfinish%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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to Tanzania, they raised a jaw dropping £1,054, 715 for Breast Cancer Care,
Ovarian Cancer Action and Jos Cervical Cancer Trust. <span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">The ride was a stunning 350km ride across Tanzania, starting in the
shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and finishing at the impressive Ngorongoro Crater!
Wow ladies talk about that girl can.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CYBMNMSzQ0/VmAkyRs6BkI/AAAAAAAAAg0/VVz-coGQ7Ow/s1600/TUF%2Bfinish%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CYBMNMSzQ0/VmAkyRs6BkI/AAAAAAAAAg0/VVz-coGQ7Ow/s640/TUF%2Bfinish%2Bline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Cycle India </b>- This year we created a bespoke event Cycle India for The
Urology Foundation. Team work makes the dream work was their motto as the thirty
five participants all helped each other cycle 410km across the Rajashtan region
in five days. In total they raised a huge £200k to support the amazing work of
the Urology Foundation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Borneo-2016"><b>Trek Borneo </b>- </a>You wonderful trekkers only returned a few weeks ago after
twenty three of you hiked through the the 140 million year old rainforest that
covers much of the island. We hoped you loved experiencing the many thousands
of plant, animal and bird species. What
was your highlight? Perhaps visiting the Orangutan Sanctuary or reaching the
peak of Mount Kinabalu at sunrise?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thank you…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A big thank you to all of you for making 2015 such a good
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to our office staff for working so hard, thank you to
all our event doctors, event leaders, ground handlers, event assistants ,
mechanics, cycle guides, Ride the Night Pink Angels, the caterers who fuel the
challenge fire and of course Sadie the office dog for being wooftastic! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">High fives to all our charity partners the work you do all
year round is also epic and we love being able to help your supporters raise
funds for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We want to wish you all a very happy festive season and why not take on another challenge to make 2016 just as
epic as 2015? #Make2016Count </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-20548301435852793322015-11-26T01:28:00.002-08:002015-11-26T01:28:06.269-08:00Britain V Cancer Trek Nepal 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5wLq2mqvX4/VlbPLVRBALI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/8n9TIc4K3hc/s1600/Finish%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5wLq2mqvX4/VlbPLVRBALI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/8n9TIc4K3hc/s640/Finish%2Bline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">Britain V Cancer</a> is a very special and unique event as
everyone that takes part in the challenge will be raising funds for the cancer
charity or hospice of their choice. It will be life-changing in many ways, for
you the individual who will achieve your own personal challenge and for the
people across Britain who will benefit from the incredible work carried out by
the cancer charities and hospices you choose to support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">Hike the Himalayas</a> in beautiful Nepal to raise funds for the
cancer charity or hospice of your choice. The challenge is on to trek to Poon
Hill (3,210m) in the stunning Annapurna region. The trek will take us through
charming Nepalese villages where we will experience the culture of the mountain
people of Nepal first hand. The challenge will be tough but the friendship and
camaraderie along the way will be very special. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can make a real difference in the fight against cancer
by signing up for the next <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">Britain V Cancer c</a>hallenge. In 2015 Britain V Cancer
Trek Jordan raised around £250k for a variety of cancer charities. Which makes
us really excited for Trek Nepal 2017 as we know we can raise the same amount
if not more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the itinerary for the event so you can get a taste
of what to expect on this stunning trek. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day One Flight from London to Kathmandu, arriving the next
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day Two Kathmandu </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. A pre-trek
briefing will be given late afternoon and each trekker will be issued with a
trek pack. This evening we eat at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day Three Fly to Pokhara and trek to Syauli (1,230m) <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We leave the hotel fairly early to transfer to the domestic
terminal of Kathmandu airport. From here we fly to Pokhara. The flight is
approx. 25 minutes and gives us spectacular views of the Himalayas. After
arriving in Pokhara we will be transferred to the starting point of our
challenge at Nayapool. Our first day’s trek follows the sub-tropical <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Modi Khola river valley to Birethanti, a large village on
the old Nepal-Tibet trading route. We overnight in the pretty village of
Syauli, here we enjoy superb views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. Trekking 4 hours approx. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day Four Trek Syauli to Ghandruk (1,950m) </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today the challenge begins in earnest! We start with a
steady ascent up a stone staircase high above the river valley, look out for
the birds of prey! A short but steep climb leads us to Kimche (1,630m) where we
can take a well-deserved break. We then continue on to Chane following a wide,
well-defined path, we soon reach the largest village of the region, Ghandruk.
This Gurung village is well known for the number of its men-folk who have
served in the British Gurkha regiments. Our lodge is located in the heart of
the village where we enjoy fine mountain views of Annapurna South and beautiful
Machhapuchhare. Trekking 6 hours approx.
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another day of ascending! Leaving the terraced hillsides
behind, we enter oak and beautiful rhododendron forest for one of the most
stunning parts of the trek. The forest is alive with the sound of birds, small
tumbling waterfalls and the rhododendrons should be in full bloom at this time
of year. There are stunning views of the Himalayas along the way today. Our
lodge is in Tadapani tonight and is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise
views. Trekking 6 hours approx.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> We rise early to view
the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas. Today’s trek starts with a series of
ascents and descents through stunning rhododendron forest. We reach Bhantanti
for an early lunch and in the afternoon we cross a small series of small
streams as we ascend through the forest to reach the open ridges at Deurali
(2,987m) here we enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
We continue on to Ghorepani (2,780m) where we overnight. Trekking 6 hours
approx. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day Seven Poon Hill (3,210m) to Tirkedunga (1,550m) </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKW3WvfGx5I/VlbPdJDXZSI/AAAAAAAAAeY/_dhuLPVZIjU/s1600/Poon%2BHill%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKW3WvfGx5I/VlbPdJDXZSI/AAAAAAAAAeY/_dhuLPVZIjU/s640/Poon%2BHill%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’re up early to trek to Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s best
view points. We arrive by torchlight just before sunrise, in time to enjoy
fabulous mountain views across the Himalayas. In fine conditions Dhaulagiri I
(8,167m) and its satellite peaks dominate the western skyline. We reluctantly
drop back down to Ghorepani for breakfast and then begin the day’s walk, which
is downhill through beautiful forests to the village of Ulleri, where we have
lunch. In the afternoon there is a steep descent down to the Bhurungdi Khola
River where we cross a small suspension bridge before reaching the village of
Tirkedunga, where we overnight. Trekking 8 hours approx. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day Eight Trek Tirkedunga to Nayapool and transfer to
Pokhara (850m)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our last days
trekking sees us follow the Bhurungdi River down to the village of Birethanti.
Here we have an early lunch before heading to Nayapool where we say farewell to
our porters and board the coach back to Pokhara. We overnight at a hotel near
to the lakeside. After a welcomed shower, the rest of the afternoon is free to
explore this fascinating town; take a boat out on the lake and enjoy some of
the many shopping opportunities. This evening we dine out together at a Nepali
restaurant. Trekking 4 hours approx. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day Nine Fly to Kathmandu <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for the
return flight to Kathmandu. We are then met at the airport and taken back to
our hotel. This afternoon is free to do sightseeing and shopping in downtown
Kathmandu. This evening we celebrate our achievements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had clients from Australia who
had recently visited the Upper Mustang Area of Nepal. A member of the team,
named Leanne has written a small trip review. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<i>Having just completed a
wonderful trip to Nepal and seeing Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomson and beyond, I
would strongly advise anyone who's been thinking of a trip to Nepal to book it
now!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>What I saw on the news and what I
saw during my stay was quite different. Flying over the the city it was hard to
see very much damage at all. Clearly the building codes for Kathmandu work. I
visited Kathmandu Durbar Square and was shattered to see the damage to this historic
site, on the upside work is in full swing to restore the monuments and
buildings.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I was impressed to hear how
engineers had checked all the hotels. Any which were suspect have been closed
till repairs or demolition takes place.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Our trip ran very smoothly with
no hold ups. Clearly things are back to normal even with the Monsoon. There are
many businesses relying on tourists, the best way to support local people is to
occupy the tea houses, buy things from the stalls and shops and use guides,
porters and horsemen. Visit Nepal, it's such an amazing place." </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Le</i>anne Guy, TJ Chick Builders Pty
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure you dont miss out on what could be your dream challenge. Register today and join us for <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">Britain V Cancer Trek Nepal 2017</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-4963659132939822142015-11-19T02:36:00.002-08:002015-11-19T02:36:57.722-08:00Charity Spotlight - Scotlands Charity Air Ambulance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ns_PWmlDjCM/Vk2lhhqScUI/AAAAAAAAAcY/sGa5tH6BrDQ/s1600/SCAA%2BHelicopter%2BPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ns_PWmlDjCM/Vk2lhhqScUI/AAAAAAAAAcY/sGa5tH6BrDQ/s640/SCAA%2BHelicopter%2BPhoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year a team took on our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge</a> in aid of <a href="https://www.scaa.org.uk/">Scotlands Charity Air Ambulance.</a> The team raised a massive £8000 for the charity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a slogan of <span style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"> <i>"Y</i></span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><i>ou might need our help tomorrow but we need your help today"</i> here is a further into wha</span></span>t fundraising means <a href="https://www.scaa.org.uk/">SCAA</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>People do the craziest things to raise funds...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">People do the craziest things to raise funds. And for</span><a href="https://www.scaa.org.uk/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Scotland’sCharity Air Ambulance</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> (SCAA) they are willing to fly round the world, cycle the
length of the country, abseil off Scotland’s most iconic structures, run till
they drop and bake the tastiest cakes imaginable.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fundraisers have been backing one of Scotland’s newest charities in
their droves when they learn of the vital life-saving work being carried out by
the country’s only charity-funded helicopter air ambulance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flying from our base at Perth Airport, <a href="https://www.scaa.org.uk/">SCAA</a> can reach 90 per cent of
the population of Scotland in less than 35 minutes. Crewed by an experienced
pilot and two highly-trained paramedics, our helicopter flies expert care
quickly to the scene of any emergency and can then transfer the patient rapidly
to the most appropriate hospital for further treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why we fly...</span></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We fly help and hope into the heart of every community in Scotland
and fundraisers realise that the next mission could be to their neighbourhood,
their colleagues, their friends, their family - or them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This sort of time-critical response comes at a price and that’s
where the public’s support comes in. Charity donations are the only fuel we fly
on and, with around £1.5 million required every year to keep our vital service
in the air, every weird and wonderful fundraising venture proves a lifeline for
us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People across Scotland who learn of our work - or whose lives have
been touched directly or indirectly by what we do - recognise the value of an
additional air resource to the frontline emergency response network. And
because we’re there for you - you’re there for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to our fabulous fundraisers devising ever-more diverse and
innovative ways to raise cash, SCAA has been able to provide a non-stop service
to the public since it launched in May 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ten hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, our distinctive
yellow, green and blue helicopter deploys to emergencies ranging from road
traffic collisions, sporting accidents, heart attacks and strokes to
industrial, agricultural and equestrian accidents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">In August alone, we responded to 41 emergency callouts, taking our
life-saving team all across Scotland - where and when we’re most needed. </span>And while we’re employed at the sharp end, our fundraisers are
working tirelessly to fund each and every mission.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking part in a challenge...</span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking part in organised personal challenges has become a great
favourite for many of you. And being part of a large supervised event is often
more fun for those taking part than a solo effort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tackling the highest peaks or running the toughest marathons are
just two examples of how you’ve thrown yourselves in to major participation
challenge events for SCAA. And it seems these physical challenges are not just
rewarding in financial support terms for us, but also hugely rewarding in personal
achievement terms for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Others prefer to face their fundraising challenge alone or as part
of a small group.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the two-year-old who takes part in a charity toddle is every bit
as valuable to us as the adventurers who
go to the ends of the earth - you’re all heroes, fundraising heroes!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, why not set yourself a fundraising challenge for SCAA and help
save a life.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ben Nevis Charity Challenge 2016...</b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.scaa.org.uk/">SCAA </a>are currently looking for people to take part in Dream Challenges Ben Nevis Charity Challenge taking place in June 2016. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge</a> is an exciting team challenge set in the stunning Scottish Highlands. Teams of four are challenged to climb Ben Nevis, cycle 25 miles (on road) and canoe Loch Lochy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For all the photos and action from this year why not check our our Facebook page or check out the #BeenThereDoneNevis on twitter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To register for the event please visit our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">website</a> or call us on 01590 646 410. </span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-47659702780737840092015-11-12T02:49:00.001-08:002015-11-12T02:49:05.015-08:00Why I decided to take on Trek Borneo... <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last week a group of challengers completed a trek across the stunning Malaysian Island of Borneo (high fives by the way team for completing the challenge). Why did they do this? Some for self achievement, some to see parts of the world from a different angle but most to raise money for a cause close to their hearts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We asked one of the trekkers before they left why they where taking on the challenge and what they where expecting. Here is what the wonderful Lisa Morton said...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN"> </span><span lang="EN">What
inspired you to sign up…<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
love a challenge and have done many events for charity....trekking in Peru, run
8 marathons, wing walking, sky diving, fire walking, school renovation projects
in Brazil, Namibia and SA....the list goes on! I have chosen to raise
money for <a href="http://www.treeofhope.org.uk/charlotte-loves-to-dance/">Charlotte</a> through <a href="http://www.treeofhope.org.uk/charlotte-loves-to-dance/">Tree of Hope</a> as she is my friend's neighbour and she has
already persuaded me to do a trek in July in the UK for her charity so I
decided to do raise money from the Borneo trek for her too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What you are
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I
love visiting new places and meeting new people. I hope to make some new
lifelong friends and have an amazing experience trekking.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN">What you are
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spiders
and creepy crawlies I am fine with, the high altitude is my biggest
worry! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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doing any training? </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I am
really into fitness. I do boot camp 2/3 days a week, I do pole fitness
classes at least once a week and go to yoga when I can. I also enjoy
running and recently ran the London Marathon.</span></div>
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what would your friends say you will be best at during the challenge?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Encouraging
people to keep going and checking everyone is OK! </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Charlotte's Story... </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you want to find out more about Charlottes story please visit the following link for all the details: http://www.treeofhope.org.uk/charlotte-loves-to-dance/ </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To find out more on whay Lisa has decided to take on three challenges for Charlotte please visit: </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/myfandanceforcharlotte/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.justgiving.com/myfandanceforcharlotte/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-7218019766098350782015-11-09T03:08:00.001-08:002015-12-17T02:30:02.967-08:00An office with a view...our event organiser Sophie takes on Women V Cancer Ride Africa! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dream Challenges and Action for Charity have returned to the UK having had an amazing time in Tanzania with all you incredible ladies who took on our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Cycle-Africa-Group-4">Women V Cancer bike ride</a>, <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">a stunning 350km ride across Tanzania. The challenge was a sell out this year and due to popular demand we have now released a <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Cycle-Africa-Group-4">further date for 2016</a>. That is how amazing the challenge is! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So imagine the joy when </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Dream Challenges event organiser e</span></span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xtraordinaire </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Sophie went from organising the challenge in the office to actually taking part in the event in stunning Tanzania. Talk about an office with a view? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This weeks post is Sophie's account of her time on the five day cycle across the African wilderness. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Where do I start with this event,
I met so many amazing people along the way! The event process started for me
back in October 2014 when the procedure of booking the flights began. Shortly
after booking the group flights, I was informed that I had been chosen to also
participate on Africa group 2! I was so excited as I had always wanted to go to
Tanzania, and there is no way better to see the </span><i style="text-align: justify;">real</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> country then on 2 wheels!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My training specifically for
Tanzania started in March 2015…<i>when it
warmed up a little.</i> Long steep never ending hills were my faux-par. So I got
to work each week to defeat my challenge, as I was fully aware that on the last
cycling day in Tanzania there was a lovely 2000 meters to climb to get to the
finish line! Challenge accepted! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Realisation of the event came
into light when I met part of the group on the cycle training weekend in July.
It was great to cycle in a group and bond with the participants who I had been
speaking to for the past 7 months via email and phone! As they say it was
lovely to put faces to names! Knowing the next time we would be cycling
together would be in Tanzania….we couldn't wait to get there now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is where the 10 day adventure began! I was eagerly awaiting 79 participants and 4 other staff who were checking in for the group flight to Nairobi, Kenya.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All arrived safe and well, here we were met by Phillip who would be taking us across the Kenya/Tanzania board until we reach the hotel in Moshi. We board our 5 buses and we set off eager to see what awaited us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived at the lovely
accommodation looking at Mount Kilimanjaro, here we met the rest of the Women v
Cancer team and our ground handlers the African Wilderness Adventure team. Bike
fitting took place this evening where I was matched up with my bike… ‘Billy’!
(nearest blue bike in the photo). </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the next 5
days the bonds that were made between everyone and the support shown was
beautiful to see. Everyone had their moments when they needed to see a smile or
awaited to see ‘maji maji’ man ready and waiting with the water to head shower
or the water to consume to boost them! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were so many highlights on
the event I don’t know where to start!! The route was amazing, a mixture of off
road and on road allowed us to be invited into the heart of the country. Going
off road allowed us to experience things that you wouldn’t normal see from the
road. We saw unique tribal villages going about their normal days, whether this
was walking to school, herding animals, collecting water…or children racing us
on their beloved bikes and on foot! Seeing the smiles and greeting waves of the
local people made us feel very welcome. The <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Maasai<b> </b></span>camp was an amazing experience, we arrived to be greeted by
a welcome dance which involved tribal songs and dancing. These continued into
the night under the starlit sky of the Milky Way. Delightful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh the animals! On a bike is the best way to see the
wild animals of Africa! Our animal discovery started on day one. We had been
trying to spot animals all day. We knew we were nearly at the <span style="line-height: 115%;">Maasai<b> </b></span>camp, when in the distance we
spotted some long necks….GIRAFFES!! It was so exciting to see a group of six
walking along. We were taking lots of photos when we then realised that there
was a big group of different giraffes behind us about 30 meters away! They were
all there, mums, dads, babies, brother, and sisters! They were amazing, we
stayed and watched them for a while and when we started to cycle again they
walked with us…what an experience!! Just passed the giraffes we saw some
monkeys, guenons to be exact. They were sweet, messing around and jumping in
and out of trees. The second day we spotted ostriches and more giraffes! On day
three we saw lots of beautiful birds and encountered their bird calls. Day four
we saw baboons, the babies were so cute! We also cycled down in the crop valleys
where beautiful butterflies were flying all around us, some were as big as our
hands…stunning! On day five we started the day with seeing lots of baboons
before we took to the long steep hills up to the Ngorongoro crater. Along the
way we saw cows and goats…even a goat on the back of a moped! We saw it all on
route, what a journey!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The atmosphere at the finish line was great!
Everyone was so happy, singing Tanzanian songs and hugs all around. Everyone
was presented with a lovely medal to remind them of their achievements when
they are back home. We further celebrated with champagne and jam sandwiches. A
great way to end the 5 days of cycling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now it was time to see the rest
of the animals. We saw so many African animals in their natural habitat! We
boarded our open top jeeps ready for our African safari adventure! I am just
going to list all the animals we saw as it was 7 hours filled of exciting
experiences! We saw Elephants, Zebras, Warthogs, Spotted Hyenas, Ostriches,
Lions, Gazelles, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Hippos, Pelicans, Grey Crowned Cranes,
Bustards, Greater Blue-Eared Starling, Vultures, Baboons, Guenons, Antelopes, Black-backed
Jackals, Waterbucks, Impalas, Kites, Eagles, and Butterflies. So just a few! It
was an amazing day and something that I have always wanted to do. The best part
of the day was right at the end of the Safari when we spotted a male lion
sitting amongst gazelles and zebras. Then four female lions were on the outside
walking slowly around the prey. One of the female lions was walking straight
towards us! She finally stopped about 2 meters away from our jeep…time to take
our heads down from the open top jeep! But what an experience to get that close
to a wild lion just before they are going on the hunt for gazelles and zebras,
so close to natural nature! Amazing! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The year of organising the logistics with <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Cycle-Africa-Group-4">Women V Cancer</a>, Dream
Challenges, and African Wilderness Adventure went very well, and I think that
everyone involved will have memories that will last a lifetime! The
participants were so wonderful to be with and hearing about all their personal
challenges they had to overcome to get to Tanzania was mind blowing. Everyone
trained hard, fundraised very well for Women V Cancer, and created bonds for
life. We all have the shared experience and it will never be forgotten! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-87024925373560114182015-10-29T07:51:00.002-07:002015-10-29T07:51:55.824-07:00Event Itinerary: Trek Borneo<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Saturday a team of challengers flew to the Malaysian island
of Borneo with our wonderful Dream Team. Therefore this week we thought we would look
at the amazing itinerary that they are about to endeavour on this dream
challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">About Trek Borneo…</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dfEKE774U0/VjIxgLg-vzI/AAAAAAAAAZo/EeYW7BhKcJg/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dfEKE774U0/VjIxgLg-vzI/AAAAAAAAAZo/EeYW7BhKcJg/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Borneo-2016">Trek Borneo</a> offers participants a once in a life time
experience to trek in remote areas of this paradise island. Borneo is the third
largest island in the world. The 140 million year old rainforest that covers
much of the island is home to many thousands of plant, animal and bird species
and also provides one of the few remaining refuges for the endangered Bornean
Orangutan. Participants on this event will experience a real sense of adventure
as you trek a little trodden route up Mount Trusmadi, Malaysia’s second highest
summit at 2,642m. En-route to the summit you will have the opportunity to stay
in a typical village and to plant trees as part of a conservation project. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On reaching the summit they will have time to witness the
sun rise over Borneo and taking in views of the spectacular Mt Kinabalu which
rises majestically above the forest some 40 miles away. The highlight for most
on this event will be the visit to the Orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok where
they will have the opportunity to see the work to care for and rehabilitate
young orangutans orphaned as a result of illegal logging and deforestation and
those that have been illegally caught and kept as pets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trek Borneo is open to people from all ages and from all
walks of life who will come together to do something amazing. It will be
life-changing in many ways, each individual will achieve their own personal
challenge and for the number of charities that will benefit from the funds
raised by the challengers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Itinerary…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>DAY 1: </b></u>Depart London for overnight flight to Kota Kinabalu,
Borneo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>D</u><u>AY 2: KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA </u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arrive on the island of
Borneo where we are met by our local ground team. We have a short transfer of
about 20kms to our overnight accommodation at Beringgis Beach Resort or similar
at Papar. Following dinner at the hotel our experienced Event Leader will
deliver your pre-event briefing and will introduce the team of event support
staff.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 3:</u></b><b><u> KOTA KINABALU
TO SINUA</u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Around 8am, after breakfast we will leave the hotel to undertake a 2 –
3 hour road transfer which takes us into the interior to Keningau, crossing the
Crocker Range a conservation area that contains a huge diversity of animal and
plant species including the three most endangered mammals, Orang Utan, Sun Bear
and Clouded Leopard. We disembark at Mensiak village the starting point for our
trek. Today we trek for approximately four hours to Sinua where we find our
overnight accommodation which will be at the village community hall.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bSaytZlLwY/VjIuQCL3TFI/AAAAAAAAAYg/uw6OMTCeAzg/s1600/day%2B2%2Bcrocker-range-borneo-c2a9-cephoto-uwe-aranas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bSaytZlLwY/VjIuQCL3TFI/AAAAAAAAAYg/uw6OMTCeAzg/s640/day%2B2%2Bcrocker-range-borneo-c2a9-cephoto-uwe-aranas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 4: </u></b><u><b>SINUA TO
TAINISKON CAMP ONE</b></u> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we have to register with the Forestry Department to
obtain our permits to climb Mount Trusmadi after which we trek for
approximately four hours to Tainiskon Camp One where we will overnight in a
mixture of tents and huts. En-route to camp we will have the opportunity to
plant trees as part of a conservation project managed by the Forestry
Department. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>DAY 5: </b></u><b><u>TAINISKON CAMP ONE TO TAINISKON CAMP TWO</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After an
early breakfast, we start our trek through secondary rainforest moving
gradually up-hill into the Trusmadi Forest Reserve. We overnight at Tainiskon
Camp Two. Our trek today will take approximately seven hours <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gziZVOYV5w/VjIvdU_xyuI/AAAAAAAAAY4/9qsDZb8PNsU/s1600/day%2B4%2Bborneo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gziZVOYV5w/VjIvdU_xyuI/AAAAAAAAAY4/9qsDZb8PNsU/s640/day%2B4%2Bborneo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 6:</u></b> <b><u>SUMMIT DAY</u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we are woken at 2.30am for coffee
before leaving camp at around 3am to trek to the summit of Mount Trusmadi at
2,642 meters and known as ‘The Garden in the Sky’ which is a haven for numerous
species of rare and beautiful plants including the unique ‘pitcher plant’. It
is expected to take about 3 – 4 hours to reach the summit. On reaching the
summit we will have time to explore the plateau and to watch the spectacular
sunrise which in clear conditions will provide a superb view of Mount Kinabalu,
lying some 40 kms to the north and the highest peak in Borneo. Our trek today
will take about eight hours.The descent takes us through forest filled with
rhodedendron, orchids and nepenthis. We return to overnight at Tainiskon Camp
Two. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOmj5yoW6fw/VjIusnqhHeI/AAAAAAAAAYs/UjAlXwkQf5Q/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOmj5yoW6fw/VjIusnqhHeI/AAAAAAAAAYs/UjAlXwkQf5Q/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 7: TAINISKON CAMP TWO TO TAINISKON CAMP ONE</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After
breakfast we break camp to continue our trek down the mountain to Tainiskon
Camp One where we can salute our achievement of having successfully reached the
summit with the local rice wine. The trek today will take approximately seven
hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 8: TAINISKON CAMP
ONE TO KOTA KINABALU</u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We leave Tainiskon Camp One to trek to Sinua where we will
be met 4 x wheel drive vehicles that will take us to Sook and the onward
transfer to Keningau and Kota Kinabalu. Our accommodation for the next three
nights will be at the four star Ming Garden Hotel or similar.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBlXBmRQsq4/VjIxDOoozdI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/qxLW8NFvRDQ/s1600/Kota-Kinabalu-Beach%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBlXBmRQsq4/VjIxDOoozdI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/qxLW8NFvRDQ/s640/Kota-Kinabalu-Beach%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 9: KOTA KINABALU TO SANDAKAN</u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we take the 40 minute
flight to Sandakan to visit the renowned Orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok where
we will have the opportunity to witness feeding time in the morning and
afternoon. Long tailed macaques are also regularly seen having been attracted
by the freely available food. We then transfer to Sandakan for the 40 minute
return flight to Kota Kinabalu. This evening we have our celebration dinner and
cultural show at Kg Nelayana a local restaurant or similar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 10: FREE DAY</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we have a further free day to provide
the opportunity for additional optional excursions, some last minute souvenir
shopping at the waterfront craft market or to just relax by the hotel pool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>DAY 11 Transfer to Kota Kinabalu</u></b><u><b> airport </b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Challengers take their return
flights to London </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mIihBGiPF4/VjIxWydFU1I/AAAAAAAAAZg/wORWu8zOjjI/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mIihBGiPF4/VjIxWydFU1I/AAAAAAAAAZg/wORWu8zOjjI/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Trek Borneo 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can’t wait to hear the stories and see the photos from
this amazing trek upon the challengers return, keep an eye out on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DreamChallenges#">Dream Challenges Facebook </a>page to see the photos and video footage from the trek. We will be revisiting <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Borneo-2016">Borneo in 2016</a> for the same trek – you
really don’t want to miss out so why not <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Borneo-2016">sign up</a> today? </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-63741053413161351612015-10-23T01:51:00.004-07:002015-10-23T01:58:01.532-07:00That’s quite High…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13zPd-jAHG8/Vin0mFxdFHI/AAAAAAAAAX4/XwT-NqmQ0-I/s1600/team%2Bshot%2Bhima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13zPd-jAHG8/Vin0mFxdFHI/AAAAAAAAAX4/XwT-NqmQ0-I/s640/team%2Bshot%2Bhima.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h1>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 11.65pt;">In March 2017 we are hiking the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">Himalayas</a> in beautiful Nepal. Why some might say would you go to Nepal after it has been devastated by the earth quake in April 2015? Our answer would be that Nepal has been rebuilding the areas affected, visiting Nepal brings in an income stream and helps support the local businesses, and the largest reason is because Nepal is a country with beautiful sights and a </span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.5333px;">spiritual</span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 11.65pt;"> feel that we want our challengers to experience. </span></span></span></span></h1>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4u3L9Atepc/Vin04HGoNHI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Z-5MoU31LkE/s1600/nepal%2Bflags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4u3L9Atepc/Vin04HGoNHI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Z-5MoU31LkE/s640/nepal%2Bflags.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have an expert team of ground handlers who have been updating us since the earthquake, and the areas we are visiting have not been directly affected by the earthquake. Our team in Nepal cant wait to welcome us back. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdyZmyu876w/Vin05szgECI/AAAAAAAAAYI/NNood7Ny9Yo/s1600/tents%2Bhimalayas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdyZmyu876w/Vin05szgECI/AAAAAAAAAYI/NNood7Ny9Yo/s640/tents%2Bhimalayas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore this week to highlight how amazing the trek will be t<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 11.65pt;">he following is an extract taken
from Ruth Borehams blog ‘That’s Quite High’ which illustrates part of her
experience of Dream Challenges <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">Lets Trek for Children Himalayas 2014</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The event saw Ruth complete eight
days trekking in Nepal. The adventure took place in the stunning Annapurna
region, home to the 8,091m Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Machhapuchchhre
(6,993m) pure Himalayan magic! The highlight of the challenge was to reach
summit Poon Hill (3,210m).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On top of the world…<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd4-0uga-9I/Vinxo8RqYTI/AAAAAAAAAXE/hHKYZDOXpqg/s1600/hima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd4-0uga-9I/Vinxo8RqYTI/AAAAAAAAAXE/hHKYZDOXpqg/s640/hima.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
alarm went off at 4.15am. It took me a while to get my clothes on and get
ready but by 4.45 I was downstairs, ready to go. Ready for the trip up to
Poon Hill– Sam made sure I got up to the top in time for sunrise. That was the
goal – that is what the whole trip had been about. Getting to the top of
Poon Hill to see sunrise over the Annapurna range. That is why we were
setting off so early.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
walk up to the top of Poon Hill from our lodge took me about an hour and a
half. It was a very popular thing to do – lots of people from all over
Ghorepani village heading up, head torches on to light the way. A few of
us struggling a little with the atmosphere – at this height (Poon Hill is
3,210m) the oxygen is a little thinner. And of course I struggled with
the actual climbing of the hill! Lots of little stops along the way, Sam
being great and taking my bag for me and distracting me with chat. And
then at one of the little stops I turned off my head torch and just looked
up. This was about 5.15am and the stars were absolutely incredible.
Given how little light there was around, I could see so many more stars than I
normally would. It was absolutely breathtaking. I have a real thing
for looking at stars, and this did not disappoint. I could have spent a
long time just standing looking up – and indeed, when I go back (for I have to
climb Poon Hill again!) I think I will leave even earlier so I can spend longer
just star gazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VpKgfOitak/VinxzLFEG5I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/2BYu00zKpow/s1600/ruth%2Band%2Bteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VpKgfOitak/VinxzLFEG5I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/2BYu00zKpow/s1600/ruth%2Band%2Bteam.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the
top was beckoning so onwards we went. And eventually got there and met up
with the others as they were either there before me or coming along after.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.55pt;">Here I
am at the top of Poon Hill, waiting for the sun with two of the fantastic
porters, Jangbu and Sona, and Ash, one of the trekkers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Heading1Char">And was it worth it?</span>
Absolutely without a doubt, the most magical thing I have done. It was
crowded at the top, lots of people waiting there to watch the mountains emerge
from the darkness, but as soon as the sky started to brighten I forgot them all
and was just swept up with the magic of it all. It wasn’t a clear sky –
there were plenty of clouds getting in the way of the mountains – but it was
still absolutely incredible. Actually, it was quite emotional. And
the photos I took don’t do it justice at all, but here is a little hint of what
it was like.<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhq-HpQUoDs/VinySC40UDI/AAAAAAAAAXc/rB1Ub_ll6Ao/s1600/ruth%2Bpoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhq-HpQUoDs/VinySC40UDI/AAAAAAAAAXc/rB1Ub_ll6Ao/s640/ruth%2Bpoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Heading1Char">Words really can’t describe
it</span> – it was definitely a case of you had to be there! And
just to prove I was really at the top, here are a couple of photos of me at the
top!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could
have spent hours at the top there, just looking at it all, but we didn’t have
hours. Time enough to see the mountains emerge, the sun take her place in
the sky, and of course lots of photos including a lovely group one...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1P7PYJrylc/VinzCM7PVKI/AAAAAAAAAXs/F5nj5YvOL-0/s1600/hike%2Bthe%2Bhimas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1P7PYJrylc/VinzCM7PVKI/AAAAAAAAAXs/F5nj5YvOL-0/s640/hike%2Bthe%2Bhimas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Heading1Char">I did it! </span>And yes, I would love to do it
all again!<span class="Heading1Char"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I trekked in the Himalayas,
reaching Poon Hill (3210m) to see sunrise over the Annapurna Mountains.
One of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. But also the hardest
physical challenge I have ever done. Not quite as prepared as I should
have been. But I still did it, thanks to the fantastic people I was with
and also the thought of fundraising for such amazing charities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth decided to support two
children’s charities close to her heart, paying for the trip herself, all money
raised went directly to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.childrenofsongea.org.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Children of Songea</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">
improving life for children in Tanzani</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.children1st.org.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">CHILDREN 1st</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">
improving life for children in Scotland. Specifically fundraising for the
Befriending service, Ruth has been a befriender for over 3 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">If you want to join us in March 2017 then check out all the information on our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2017">website</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-42111124954996469692015-10-13T05:50:00.000-07:002015-10-13T05:50:09.102-07:00Work mates being team mates…<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With our team events we often find that a lot of you who
take them on are actually team mates already but in a very different
environment. Your everyday support is less helping each other climb a mountain
in the Scottish Highlands but more helping each other tackle a mountain of work
in the office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we hear from a team from AXA Wealth who took on
our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge</a> in September this year. The team mates known as
the Nevis Treaders completed the epic event which entails climbing Ben Nevis,
cycling and canoeing a loch all in one day in a heroic nine hours and fifty six
minutes. Here is what their team captain
Andy Ennis said about the event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Nevis Treaders…</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three out of the four of us still work at AXA – James worked
with us previously although moved on to pastures new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OExu5GSLa4c/Vhz8FlrJUDI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Vf-CEpGX8hk/s1600/McFinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OExu5GSLa4c/Vhz8FlrJUDI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Vf-CEpGX8hk/s320/McFinished.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We wanted to do a challenging charity event as a team and
entered a similar even in 2011 in the Lake District. Unfortunately, due
to bad weather and dubious directions we failed to complete the challenge so
the four of us wanted to do something similar again, for closure as well as
raising funds. It took us four years as since the last event some of us
have got married and/or started families. This year felt right and whilst
the previous event no longer exists, we found the Ben Nevis event with </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dream
Challenges a similar (if not tougher) event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AXA Wealth have supported <a href="http://www.naomihouse.org.uk/about-us">Jack’s Place and Naomi House</a> as
our chosen charity over a number of years. The four of us have helped to
raise money for this cause over the years and as such it’s a charity we have
helped to support and which is close to our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About Naomi House and
Jacksplace…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.naomihouse.org.uk/about-us">Naomi House & Jacksplace</a> hospices provide expert care to
more than 280 life-limited and life-threatened children, young people and
their extended families from Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, West
Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our nursing, care, play and family support teams are experts
in delivering the crucial emotional, spiritual and developmental aspects of
care that families need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pre event nerves…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the actual day, I think we all had pre-event nerves
although once we started and met some of the other teams, despite the mountain
being tougher than expected (especially the way down) we really enjoyed the
day. The event was very well organised and it was really reassuring that
the start, changeover and finish were all at the Nevis Centre. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all
thought the refreshments were a nice touch and helped to keep everyone motivated.
The briefings were clear and to the point and helped to reassure everyone on
the format of the day, the routes and also provided the opportunity to ask any
questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cycle routes were easy to follow and after the mountain
and the road, it was almost a joy to get into the boat for the canoe
section. We completed the canoe stretch in just twenty eight minutes. The last cycle leg was almost euphoric as we
all knew we had almost made it and were on the final stretch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4XZ8UywMrk/Vhz8posE_tI/AAAAAAAAAW0/E6RUFKvbyDU/s1600/Matthew%2BAndy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4XZ8UywMrk/Vhz8posE_tI/AAAAAAAAAW0/E6RUFKvbyDU/s640/Matthew%2BAndy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was also nice to socialise with a few of the other teams
after the event and later in the evening enjoy a few drinks in Fort William
which is a lovely place full of friendly people.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mountain was
tough…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcgTZ3tqFnc/Vhz8hEOMR2I/AAAAAAAAAWs/98lLP1TYb1o/s1600/Andy%2BMatthew%2BJames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcgTZ3tqFnc/Vhz8hEOMR2I/AAAAAAAAAWs/98lLP1TYb1o/s640/Andy%2BMatthew%2BJames.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only thing not so positive about the experience was the
mountain on the way down (through no fault of the organisers). As the
weather deteriorated, the path, especially nearer to the bottom became
treacherous and we noticed some people were using trekking poles which seemed
to help people keep their balance. If we did the challenge again (which
is a distinct possibility) I think we’d consider using these. This didn't diminish our enjoyment of the event however! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Been There Done Nevis…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All though the team felt that they struggled with the
descent from the mountain they did it in an impressive six hours and thirty
minutes which shows that team work makes the dream work. The team raised £1500
for <a href="http://www.naomihouse.org.uk/about-us">Naomi’s House and Jacks Place </a>which is a great achievement in itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you and your work mates want to become team mates and
join us for the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge 2016</a> then please visit the website
for more information. It is a great way to raise money for your works charity
of the year and the perfect way to boost morale within the office as there will
be lots to talk about along the way and following the event! Or even better
when more than one team enters it sparks a bit of healthy competition not only
to raise the most but to see who will finish the challenge first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-74139917092080565282015-10-08T02:33:00.001-07:002015-10-08T02:33:35.829-07:00Why I am trekking India…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OrNlbsIVQs/VhY0wCHqeGI/AAAAAAAAAWA/UwgbveE6ybc/s1600/taj%2Bmahal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OrNlbsIVQs/VhY0wCHqeGI/AAAAAAAAAWA/UwgbveE6ybc/s640/taj%2Bmahal.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Next October we will be taking a group of challengers to
<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">India for our Lets Trek for Children</a> 2016 event. <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">Let’s Trek for Children</a> is all
about fundraising for children charities by taking on a trek, so far we have
taken this challenge to Jordan and Nepal raising a vast amount of money for the
charities involved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">Let's Trek for Children in India</a> entails five days of
trekking starting in <a href="http://www.dharamsalanet.com/">Dharamsala</a> the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama. We will
trek through spectacular mountain landscapes and sleep under the stars in
remote mountain camps as we head for our finish line at Laka Got (3,550m) well
above the Himalya snow-line. This amazing Indian adventure culminates with a
visit to the breath-taking <a href="http://www.tajmahal.com/">Taj Mahal </a>in Agra.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The trek takes our challengers through some beautiful places
however the terrain and the amount of walking they take on per day is what makes
the trek a challenge. This week we hear from one of our intrepid challengers on
why taking on this type of fundraising challenge is important to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My chosen charity is The <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/">British Heart Foundation</a>…<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hi
my name is Sally, I live in a very bustling village just north of Cheltenham in
Gloucestershire. I work in the Doctors surgery there which is the ideal place
to start fundraising as it is extremely busy and we run lots of clinics for
heart and stroke monitoring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My chosen
charity is the <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/">British Heart Foundation</a> and I have done around nine treks and a
bike ride for them. I chose that charity as they do phenomenal research into
heart disease, ground breaking work which truly helps to save and change lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In
2016 I'm doing a trek in the northern region of India, for Children. The
<a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/">BHF</a> does very important work with pre-natal, neo-natal and infancy to find
cures for genetic heart disease and disorders. This is vital work which
makes a difference to lives and to children born with heart defects.The
<a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/">BHF</a> have agreed for me to do this coming trek for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fundraising
is a challenge in itself…</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When
you sign up for a 'challenge' you are normally given a target amount to raise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fund
raising is a challenge in itself! Faced with being asked to raise £3000-3500 is
often daunting and many folk don't like asking the same family and friends to
sponsor them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You
also need to achieve a reasonable level of fitness - often another challenge in
itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A
few years ago I decided to hold a 'coffee and cake' morning. I asked many friends
and patients at the surgery to come and also very cheekily suggested they
contribute a cake if they felt able!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Amazingly
response was good and my kitchen looked like 'The Great British Bake-off'!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I
then decided to include that if anyone had any 'unwanted' items, they donate
them for us to sell!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This
has proved a popular and winning formula - it has become an annual village
event, typically raising around £1000 each time! The effort is a lot but so
worth it. I'm lucky to have a fantastic army of fabulous friends who always
turn up to help me run the event. My kitchen is buzzing, table heaving with
cakes, garden lively with folk sitting with their coffee,tea and yummy cake,
people seem very happy to chat and they go away with a bag of goodies, some raffle
tickets and having guessed the weight of the cake!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The
secret seems to be that we don't charge any prices - we simply ask for a
donation. People seem to want to be more generous that way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sale
items include books, DVDs, plants, jewellery, clothes, shoes, small furniture,
toys, bric-a-brac etc. My house looks like a Christies sale!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By the way,
all unsold items are bagged and boxed and taken to other charity shops so
nothing is wasted. This year all clothing was collected to be taken to help
with Syrian refugee crisis, small items sold by local post office for <a href="https://www.acorns.org.uk/">Acornschildren's hospice</a>, other items to cancer research and <a href="http://www.macmillan.org.uk/">Macmillans</a> shop.
Fantastic effort by everyone and so far this year I have banked £1068 for the
BHF with another £50 or so to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The
challenges are life changing, fantastic fun and give you enormous personal
strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So I
say just Go for it!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Want
to support a charity?</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0cahCPxrfk/VhY0c_5o6HI/AAAAAAAAAV8/7jOy679PuB0/s1600/DSCN0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0cahCPxrfk/VhY0c_5o6HI/AAAAAAAAAV8/7jOy679PuB0/s640/DSCN0454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There
are still spaces available on <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">Lets Trek for Children in India 2016</a>. There are
two ways in which you can fund the challenge, a popular way is by self-funding,
so paying for the trip yourself and then fundraising on top of this for a
charity of your choice. Alternatively, you can select the children's
charity of your choice, register for the challenge and then fundraise £2,900.
Providing you have raised the funds 10 weeks before the challenge your charity
will pay the tour costs on your behalf with the remaining money and any money
you raise over your minimum sponsorship going directly to support the work of
your children's charity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By
taking on a challenge you could be supporting research for children's cancer
treatments, or help grant a magical wish for a child fighting a life
threatening condition or even help fight blindness. There are lots of children charities
out there, you can visit our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/trekChildren.php">website for a list </a>of those we have supported
already. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We
hope you feel inspired to take on a life changing challenge! May be see you in
<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">India</a> next year? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-80978014263397190272015-10-01T02:48:00.000-07:002015-10-01T02:48:09.800-07:00Viva La Cycle Cuba! <div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MO2YDG8BV8/Vgz-fpMK93I/AAAAAAAAAU0/CC1XiI9s0Jg/s1600/The%2BBig%2BC%2BCycle%2BChallenge%2B-%2BCuba%2B416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MO2YDG8BV8/Vgz-fpMK93I/AAAAAAAAAU0/CC1XiI9s0Jg/s640/The%2BBig%2BC%2BCycle%2BChallenge%2B-%2BCuba%2B416.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Buena Suerte…</b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Thursday we say Adios and Buena Suerte to our cyclists
flying out from London to take on a 400km cycle challenge across the stunning
Caribbean island of Cuba. We have run this challenge for over ten years and it promises
to be filled with fun, laughter and of course dancing. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the trip we will see sights such as the beautiful Jibacoa
Beach, cycle through the Yumuri Valley which has picture postcard tropical
scenery with open pastures fringed with palm trees. A change in scenery when we
cycle in the city of Matanzas, but then back to citrus groves. We will tour the city of Cienfuegos, a World
Heritage site and an important fishing port on Cuba’s south coast. Cycle past the
majestic Escambray Mountains before reaching Trinidad. A World Heritage site
and famous for its colonial architecture, the traditional methods of transport
and cobbled streets give Trinidad the feel of being in a time warp. From Trinidad
we will head into a scenic valley with sugar mills and tobacco fields. Stopping
at Manacas Iznagas, a former sugar farm which is now a centre for local
artisans. Our finishing line will be at the Che Guevara Mausoleum, one of
Cuba’s most important revolutionary monuments where we will enjoy a Cuba Libre.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we wanted to delve a bit deeper into Cuba and
learn more about this interesting Caribbean island. So here are ten things you
may not have known about Cuba.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. The history of Cuba… </b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Cuba was inherited by<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">tribes before the landing of explorer<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Christopher Columbus<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in 1492, who claimed it for the</span>
Kingdom of Spain. Cuba remained a colony of Spain until the Spanish American
War of 1898, after which it gained<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>independence
as a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>de facto</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> U.S. protectorate in 1902. Since 1965
the country has been governed by the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Communist
Party of Cuba.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feVix2XRV98/Vgz9_Ha17KI/AAAAAAAAAUk/yMYPebr9nRk/s1600/2011-05-31%2B02.38.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feVix2XRV98/Vgz9_Ha17KI/AAAAAAAAAUk/yMYPebr9nRk/s640/2011-05-31%2B02.38.10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Bacardi rum originated in Cuba…<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bacardi was founded in Cuba in
1862, but the family-run company ended up getting exiled after the revolution.
Luckily, they had already built plants in Puerto Rico and Mexico, just in
case. Nowadays, you won’t find any Bacardi in Cuba – instead, all your rum
needs are covered by Havana Club.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Cubas people…</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cuba is the largest island in the
Caribbean and, with over eleven million inhabitants, the second-most populous
after Hispaniola. It is a multi-ethnic country whose people, culture and customs
derive from diverse origins. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JL8RyRKeNqM/Vgz_XLrF95I/AAAAAAAAAVU/hlsm5kymKWg/s1600/cuban-people01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JL8RyRKeNqM/Vgz_XLrF95I/AAAAAAAAAVU/hlsm5kymKWg/s640/cuban-people01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Christmas did not become an official
holiday in Cuba until 1997…</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Castro
– better known as the Grinch – slapped a ban on Christmas when he came to power
in 1959. He only put an end to it before the Pope’s visit in 1998.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><b>5. Language…</b></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">The official language of Cuba is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Spanish a</span>nd the vast majority
of Cubans speak it. Spanish as spoken in Cuba is known as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Cuban Spanish<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and is a form of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Caribbean Spanish.
Haitian Creoleis the second largest language is spoken by Haitian immigrants
and their descendants.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXnajB0YYgw/Vg0AjsgC_gI/AAAAAAAAAVg/8ytXjJzMTj4/s1600/Havana%252C%2BCuba%2B33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXnajB0YYgw/Vg0AjsgC_gI/AAAAAAAAAVg/8ytXjJzMTj4/s640/Havana%252C%2BCuba%2B33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6. Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates
in the world...</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Cuba, 99.8% of people over 15 can read and
write – and that’s compared to the global adult literacy rate of 84.1%. They
really put us to shame with their curriculum, too. Pupils learn things like
dance, gardening, health, hygiene and, of course, a bit of revolutionary
history. Plus, all school meals and uniforms are free.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7. Its home to the world’s smallest bird and frog…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiny
wildlife seems to be the norm in Cuba. Not only does it hold the Guinness World
Record for the world’s smallest frog, it’s also home to the smallest bird. The
Bee Hummingbird grows to a teeny 2 inches, while the Mount Iberia frog is just
10 millimetres in size.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXa8swl4rqw/Vgz-v3yVvuI/AAAAAAAAAU8/hSyfloioHso/s1600/Cuban%2Bblog%2Bsmallest%2Bbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXa8swl4rqw/Vgz-v3yVvuI/AAAAAAAAAU8/hSyfloioHso/s640/Cuban%2Bblog%2Bsmallest%2Bbird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8. Cuban
Currencies...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is more than one official currency
in the country of Cuba. While Cuban locals use the Cuban Peso—tourists are
given the Cuban Convertible Peso and are unable to use the Cuban Peso. So it’s
essential that you have the right currency! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9. Cuban Time...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21.6pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">In Cuba, it’s common
that things are a little bit slower pace. Let’s just say the island country
runs on “Cuban time” or relaxed time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.6pt;">10. There has been a McDonald’s in
Cuba at Guantanamo Bay since 1986...</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It
turns out you really can find the golden arches anywhere including
Guantanamo Bay. This one is surrounded by barbed wire and only accessible to
staff at the base, but it’s the only one on the island.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbnwLl2TI5g/Vgz_Dd8ZKnI/AAAAAAAAAVE/mUcLTPrkH34/s1600/mcdonalds%2Bcuba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbnwLl2TI5g/Vgz_Dd8ZKnI/AAAAAAAAAVE/mUcLTPrkH34/s640/mcdonalds%2Bcuba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Viva la Cuba... </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;">We hope all of you love Cuba and the cycle as much as we do! If you want to delve a bit deeper into Cuba why not check out our </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/island.%20https://www.pinterest.com/dreamchallenges/we-heart-cuba/" style="line-height: 15pt;">Pinterest</a><span style="line-height: 15pt;"> board for this </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">beautiful</span><span style="line-height: 15pt;"> island. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-34745716282822949502015-09-24T01:48:00.000-07:002015-09-24T01:53:00.708-07:00Meet the Team...<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; margin: 20px 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Here is round two of our two minute interview</span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"> with the people behind the scenes that make all our challenges happen. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meet Haylie from the Dream Team...</span></span></span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLZfUnO0oaY/VgO3SpuukVI/AAAAAAAAAT4/VBulLDRz7eA/s1600/DSCF4414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLZfUnO0oaY/VgO3SpuukVI/AAAAAAAAAT4/VBulLDRz7eA/s400/DSCF4414.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hi I’m Haylie and I
have been working for Dream Challenges for ‘almost’ 2½ years. I love my job as Challenge Event Organiser as
it’s great to organise treks and cycles to exotic destinations, and get to go
on a couple myself</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="text-indent: -24px;">What did you do before joining the team? </span></b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I started my career
straight from school into the travel industry, working for South African Airways
(I’m born South African). I followed on
from SAA to working in both corporate & leisure travel agencies in South
Africa. In 2000 I left my home country to
try out different ‘shores’ and landed in Dublin, Ireland for 3 years. I moved to England and worked for various
companies but always wanted to get back into travel. Hence finding this job, and taking such
enjoyment from it! </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What dream challenges have you been lucky to experience? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I’ve been on the
Britain V Cancer Trek Nepal event, and imminently due to go on Trek
Borneo. It’s so exciting and I can’t
wait to do more events with DC! I’ve
also done most of the UK events. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My favourite, and
I’m definitely not being biased, is our own DC Ben Nevis event. It’s a fabulous event, in a fabulous
location! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">Tell us any of your f</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">unny or favourite moments?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Times spent in the
office getting ready for a challenge, its usually VERY hectic but also very rewarding
when it all comes together!</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If you could create your very own Dream Challenge what would it be? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Any desert trek – the
Sahara or Namib as they are close to my roots.
The desert is a magnificent place to be with its vastness and power!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>W</b>: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php" style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk" style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-90117023908238551412015-09-19T23:40:00.000-07:002015-09-19T23:40:31.603-07:00Guest Bloggers - African Initiatives take on Ben Nevis Charity Challenge<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bL4C-4P_9fQ/Vfq0OItpT5I/AAAAAAAAATs/nQgdEcnFaDE/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bL4C-4P_9fQ/Vfq0OItpT5I/AAAAAAAAATs/nQgdEcnFaDE/s640/IMG_4243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Last time my
friend José had a nutty fundraising idea for African Initiatives all I had to
do was bake some flapjack to keep her going round her 100 mile bike ride. I'm
not sure what made her think of me when choosing the final victim for her
4-woman team for the </span><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016"><span lang="EN-US">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">, but I frankly didn't like
the young and sporty look of my teammates: José often commutes to Bristol on
her bike, and Sal and Kate are runners. And José being CEO of </span><a href="http://www.african-initiatives.org.uk/"><span lang="EN-US">African Initiatives</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"> brought an additional element:
failure was not an option. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MXDspkRMmQ/VfqvpzmFFOI/AAAAAAAAASo/gNRqdPw23o4/s1600/AI_photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MXDspkRMmQ/VfqvpzmFFOI/AAAAAAAAASo/gNRqdPw23o4/s320/AI_photo.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">African Initiatives is an
international development charity that <span style="color: #262626;">promotes the
rights of marginalised communities, with a focus on women and girls</span>.
Together with <span style="color: #262626;">grass-roots</span> partners in Ghana
and Tanzania, African Initiatives works in women’s rights, girls’ education, livelihoods
and health.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We empower communities and individuals to change attitudes, which in turn changes behaviour, which influences policy and leads to positive practices. This results in communities in which everyone has their voice heard and is able to challenge injustice and exercise their rights, so allowing people to attain an improves quality of life and better futures. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the
</span><a href="http://www.ben-nevis.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Ben Nevis website</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the mountain is in fog 55% of the time during May and
June. I wasn't sure how to extrapolate this for our September expedition, but
it coloured me suitably scared. There’s also a page entitled ‘safety on Ben
Nevis’ designed to really hammer home the fact that there isn’t any. Here’s a
taste: “bone-chilling winds, sub-zero temperatures, heavy rain, snow and
blizzards - sometimes all at once”. Eek!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">I never want to
be that person who calls the nice folk from mountain rescue out of their beds
just because I've been an under prepared idiot (an unlucky idiot, fine – and
thank you in advance </span><a href="http://www.lochabermrt.co.uk/our-team/"><span lang="EN-US">nice rescue people</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">José's husband
ran a chess evening to raise funds and awareness. None of us are chessy people really
but even Sal took part, having not touched the game since a defeat in her early
twenties at the hands of a ruthless 7 year old. I ran a garden event. Some
friends came for warm Pimms, others came for seeds and plants, a final,
generous group came solely to stick money in the pot. I got stung by a wasp
while pressing the last bare rooted iris on a reluctant guest. It was worth it:
we raised £130. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">We trained. We
walked. We canoed along the Kennet and Avon Canal and wondered whether a
straight run across a flat, narrow waterway was anywhere near a good
representation of the struggle across a choppy </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Lochy"><span lang="EN-US">Loch Lochy</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Three weeks before
we had a final big training push. We pre-tired our legs with a 20 mile cycle
ride then walked 12 miles. It was all wet feet, blisters, soggy
sandwiches, marauding cows, and a sodden map where we always seemed to be
walking on the creases. It wasn't a mountain, but it had to do. </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, none
of this prepared us. Not even slightly. The weather forecast for Ben Nevis
was wind at 50-80 mph, rain at times heavy, and poor visibility at the top. Oh
goody. We set off from the youth hostel at 0500 hrs on our bikes, carrying our
packs 3 miles to the start. Then at 0622 we were the 23rd team to walk back the
same 3 miles to the youth hostel to join the Ben Nevis path.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coaxed by Kate
we tramped past team after team. And in turn, we were passed by teams who RAN.
No, Kate, don't even think about it. We started snacking early, and we snacked
often. Partly to lighten the load. In retrospect we may have over done the
catering. We didn't want to run low on energy. But we probably didn't need this
much food.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But had we been
stranded on Nevis, we'd have lasted a week, and still been in good spirits. It
was heavy though. Maybe the </span><a href="http://www.hopscotch-charity.org/news.htm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Hopscotch Hotties</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> wouldn't have beaten us by 9
minutes if we'd carried less? </span></div>
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walked Ben Nevis, then be warned: it's hard and steep. Going up is not so bad.
But coming down is painful to middle aged knees. Younger teams skipped past us.
José stopped for a chat with every marshal and every other team. She handed out
cake to most (it was a vain effort, but we were hoping for the Best Team Spirit
Award). As we limped the 3 miles from the youth hostel to the transition point
(how many times are we going to travel this same piece of road?) we really
wondered if we had the legs for a bike ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kate encouraged
us through the transition. Don't stop. Keep going. She was right, if we had
stopped for longer we would have stiffened up. The bike ride was actually a
nice sit down. …until the hills. Who put those there? The canoeing was about
different muscles and really quite fun. Another nice sit down …until we turned
out of the inlet and into the open loch and were riding waves. Are we going
backwards? Can’t we have a rest? No! says Kate. Keep paddling. Oh how our legs
stiffened and cramped in the canoe. I crawled onto the jetty and had to be
winched to my feet by the nice man put there for just that purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Back on the
bikes for the final leg around the loch. Almost back to the transition centre
we saw another team just heading out on their bikes. We croaked out something
meant to be encouraging and took our mental hats off to them. We'd been out for
9 hours and 9 minutes, and were the 8th team back. They were out for over 13
hours and never gave up, even when they had a puncture. The honour salute goes
to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.mast-security.com/en/news/news/a-mast-and-the-ben-nevis-charity-challenge-53.html">th</a></span></span><a href="http://www.mast-security.com/en/news/news/a-mast-and-the-ben-nevis-charity-challenge-53.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">em</a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> we thought, as we rode the 3
miles back to the youth hostel AGAIN.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">REGISTRATION FOR BEN NEVIS CHARITY CHALLENGE 2016 IS NOW OPEN - </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CLICK<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016"> HERE</a> FOR MORE DETAILS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-32756219952988239482015-09-13T02:01:00.001-07:002015-09-13T02:01:26.024-07:00Taking on the Great Wall of China<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43Zy0AI-MWw/VfU1vS81JgI/AAAAAAAAARY/7Am1PdPcC1o/s1600/great_wall_china_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43Zy0AI-MWw/VfU1vS81JgI/AAAAAAAAARY/7Am1PdPcC1o/s640/great_wall_china_photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday Dream Challenges flew a group from London to
Beijing to take on the mind blowing task of trekking five days along the
incredible Great Wall of China. They start at a section of the wall which was
built in AD557 making their way past hidden villages, gaining height for the
last day to reach the highest watch tower in Mutianyu. The sights they will see
are mind blowing, however, the walk is a real challenge and not an easy task.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As they take on step after step we know that our participants
will have one main motivation in mind. That is knowing that all of the training
before and all the hard work during is worth it to support the cancer charity
of their choice. The trek overall will raise thousands and thousands of pounds for
different cancer charities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we hear from The Maggies a group of eighteen
strangers who have come together to take on the trek to support <a href="https://www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-nottingham/">Maggies Centre</a>
in Nottingham. The centre helped each individual with their battle against
cancer. Here are three of the trekkers
stories and a great video of their training experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lisa Reynolds, 44</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My main motivation for trekking in China is that I suffered
from breast cancer just less than </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">three years ago. I coped really well at the time but two years
later sunk into a bit of a depression and had a bit of post-traumatic stress
about the whole thing. I did npt know where to go or what to do so I popped into
Maggie’s after a mammogram to see what they were all about and they completely
changed my whole life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They helped me with two particular courses, Living with Less
Stress and Mindfulness. They set me on the right track mentally. Mindfulness is all about being in the present
moment and being able to realise that negative thoughts are not real things and they
can be very damaging. Mindfulness helps to reprogram your brain and concentrate
on your body, yourself – it’s almost like having your senses turned up high and
living your life as it is happening rather than worrying about what might
happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What better way to thank them than raising lots of money and
trekking through China. It’s also been spurred on by my Gran, who sadly died
last year. She was a pioneer, always raising money and doing charity treks so
this seemed to be an apt thing for me to do and carry on her legacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always wanted to go to China. I am looking forward to
seeing a whole different culture and visiting the Forbidden City. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Training has been good. It’s taken me a while to get over
the chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Fatigue was quite an issue and I am
only just getting back to normal so it’s the right time for a physical challenge.
I am at a crossroads and am ready to leave it all behind and move forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Deb Mason, 49</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am turning 50 at the end of this year so I decided I wanted to
celebrate by doing something different. I found out about the trek and thought
it sounded like a good idea – I’d get my fitness levels up, meet some
interesting people and hopefully raise a lot of money for Maggie’s, my chosen
charity. I sit on the fundraising board, so we’re always looking for ways of
raising money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started my training in January and have loved every minute
of it. The Three Peaks weekend was amazing and blew me away and it’s made me
more excited about the trek in September. It was really hard and I absolutely
loved it. Keeping up motivation has also been tough through the winter. In the
cold, snow, wind and rain it was horrible getting up and going for walks but
the feeling of exhilaration afterwards was amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m looking forward to the views at the Great Wall and
meeting new friends. I also want to go to a temple as I really enjoy
meditation. It’s going to be a big challenge but raising money for Maggie’s
makes it all worthwhile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kirsten Bolton, 45</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ujug-xdvrM/VfU2ViJFR9I/AAAAAAAAARw/IMC7M9WP_wo/s1600/Kirsten%2BBolton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ujug-xdvrM/VfU2ViJFR9I/AAAAAAAAARw/IMC7M9WP_wo/s400/Kirsten%2BBolton.jpg" width="225" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The things you get yourself into when you’ve had a drink….
My friend Laura is Maggie’s fundraising manager and she talks so passionately
about the centre that I went to see for myself what is was all about. I was
blown away, it’s such a beautiful, warm and caring environment to be in, the
staff were lovely and people seemed so happy, despite the anxiety of having or
caring for someone with cancer. That night I was round at Laura’s for dinner
and over a bottle of wine she shared her plans for trekking in China. What a
good idea I thought…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the next day, on a cold January winter’s morning I dusted
off my old walking boots and made a plan to get fitter and raise money for
Maggie’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been quite a journey. I was not fit and not keen on
exercise so it was always going to be a challenge to get fit enough for a trek.
Surprisingly I have really enjoyed it and been on some glorious walks. I even
cycled on my summer holiday this year in Sweden! This weekend I am flying up to
Aberdeen to do my last big weekend before we head off to China. It’ll be hard
as its three days up and down the Munroes but I am looking forward to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cancer touches a lot of people’s lives and it’s only when
you start fundraising that you find out just how many. It’s been motivating for
me to hear other people’s stories and the support we received when we organised
the China Charity Ball was overwhelming. We raised over £16,000 that night.
People still surprise me by their kindness and generosity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I’m looking forward to most are the spectacular views
and seeing everyone’s face when we take our last few steps and reach the end.
For a lot of people this trek is a great personal journey and their stories
extraordinary. How lucky am I to be a part of that?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trekkers have all been in training leading up to the event, some may have never put on a pair of walking shoes before and some may be passionate which is why they chose the challenge. We love this video as it shows the fun and enjoyment that can some along with training for a challenge, also the friendships that can be made. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To find our more about Maggies Big Trek please visit </span><a class="u-textUserColor" href="http://t.co/N5Pu5D60OV" rel="me nofollow" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); color: rgb(124, 145, 198) !important; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.5556px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://maggieschinachallenge.co.uk/">maggieschinachallenge.co.uk</a>. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We look forward to sharing the photos and video from the event on their return. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to show your support for a cancer charity we have lots of ways you can do this. To name a few in 2016 you could <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Cycle-China-2016">Cycle China</a>, <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2016">Trek Nepal</a>, cycle from <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London to Paris</a> or as a team take on our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge</a>? Visit our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/">website</a> for a full listing of all our dream challenges. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-80065530828274701292015-09-06T06:39:00.000-07:002015-09-06T06:39:00.070-07:00Maggies Ben Nevis Charity Challenge 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This week we have invited Maggies Centres Scotland to tell you all about the work they do as well as a chance to meet the team taking on our mighty Ben Nevis Charity Challenge all in aid of Maggies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Team Hitmen and Her... </b> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MnrG4k5_Ho/VeWpmn4rZKI/AAAAAAAAAQs/-euwZFLzWfc/s1600/The%2BHitmen%2Band%2BHer%2B-%2BBen%2BNevis%2BChallenge%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MnrG4k5_Ho/VeWpmn4rZKI/AAAAAAAAAQs/-euwZFLzWfc/s640/The%2BHitmen%2Band%2BHer%2B-%2BBen%2BNevis%2BChallenge%2B2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Adrian Ewan, and his team Hitmen and Her, are just a week
from tackling the Ben Nevis Charity Challenge 2015. On September 12, Adrian along with three
colleagues from Edinburgh Investment Consultants, Scott McKintosh, Drew
Nutsford and Elaine Montgomerie, will hike up and down Ben Nevis, cycle 25
miles then canoe a 3km stretch of Loch Lochy.
Not only that, they’ll do it in 10 hours or less and all to raise money
for Maggie’s, the charity that offers free practical, emotional and social
support to people with cancer and their family and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This will be Adrian’s first charity challenge and the first
time he has taken on anything so testing. As he said: “I’ve climbed mountains before but
I haven’t then jumped on a bike or canoed up a loch.” And living near Edinburgh in one of Scotland’s
less mountainous regions has meant that training has not been straightforward for
the team. Adrian said: “The Pentland
hills are not very high so we have been up and down them like a yoyo!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Adrian’s biggest worry is getting on a bike with wobbly
knees after descending Ben Nevis, but he’s confident the team will get each
other through. And, if it goes well, he
might be ready for more: “I’ll have to wait and see but, yeah, I might get the
bug!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Adrian’s decision to run, bike and paddle for Maggie’s was
inspired by his mum who died of cancer last year. “She spent a lot of time at Maggie’s Fife and
I know she got a lot of benefit from meeting other cancer patients. So when I looked at the charities we could
fundraise for Maggie’s just jumped out at me and I convinced the rest of the
team.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtVWi33j1WA/VeWpxqbLWrI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/8MHEbnnlqt0/s1600/Adrian%2BEwan%252C%2BBen%2BNevis%2BChallenge%2B2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtVWi33j1WA/VeWpxqbLWrI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/8MHEbnnlqt0/s640/Adrian%2BEwan%252C%2BBen%2BNevis%2BChallenge%2B2015.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>About Maggies...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z24W1WwUrNI/VeWqM7RPuMI/AAAAAAAAARE/3f5Rb-GcOdk/s1600/Edinburgh%2BGarden%2B2%2B-%2Bstatue%2Bof%2BMaggie%2BKeswick%2BJencks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z24W1WwUrNI/VeWqM7RPuMI/AAAAAAAAARE/3f5Rb-GcOdk/s400/Edinburgh%2BGarden%2B2%2B-%2Bstatue%2Bof%2BMaggie%2BKeswick%2BJencks.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Maggie’s Fife is one of a network of Maggie’s Centres, all
built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals and all following a blueprint of
ideas that were set out by Maggie Keswick Jencks who lived for two years with
advanced cancer. Maggie believed that
people affected by cancer needed a place that was near their treatment hospital
where they could get information, psychological support and the chance to meet
other people dealing with the same challenges, in a relaxed, domestic
environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The first Centre opened in Edinburgh, in the grounds of the
Western General Hospital, in 1996; there are now 18 Centres across the UK,
abroad and online with more in the pipeline.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All the Centres are designed by leading architects to create a welcoming
and uplifting environment.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">However,
Maggie’s Centres are much more than just beautiful buildings: each one is
staffed by qualified professionals, including psychologists and experienced
cancer nurses, who offer a free programme of support for people with cancer and
their loved ones. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Visitors will often
simply drop in to the Centre and have a cup of tea with staff and with other
Centre visitors - every Maggie’s Centre has a big kitchen table at its heart as
well as a kettle and a well-stocked tea and coffee cupboard. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They can also choose to take part in a range
of courses, classes and groups.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Courses
on offer include ‘Getting Started’ which is designed for people who have recently
been diagnosed, and ‘Where Now’ which helps with the challenges that people can
face when treatment is finished, such as going back to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The host of workshops and classes that is available covers
activities and topics such as relaxation, nutrition, expressive art, yoga and
gardening. Plus, there are professional
benefits advisers on hand in the Centres to help people to deal with the many financial
challenges that cancer can bring. And, each
Centre hosts support groups for people who are in similar circumstances, including
friends and family groups as well as groups for the bereaved and for people
with specific types of cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why we need support...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVfXdrlLD_I/VeWqDQoa4TI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/cwb5UIu_gBs/s1600/Maggie%2527s%2BEdinburgh.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVfXdrlLD_I/VeWqDQoa4TI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/cwb5UIu_gBs/s640/Maggie%2527s%2BEdinburgh.tif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One Maggie’s Edinburgh visitor commented: “Maggie’s is like
an oasis. It gives you the tools to take
your future forward, to take control of your life.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To keep on offering this support, Maggie’s relies entirely
on voluntary donations. It is now
forecast that one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some
time in their lives, and as cancer treatments become more successful the number
of people living with cancer is growing and so is the need for support. Maggie’s aims to make the biggest difference
possible to people with cancer and their family and friends, and you can help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You can help Adrian and Hitmen and Her meet their £3000
target by donating <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=EIC-Ltd-Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-12.09.15">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Or, why not consider signing up with Dream Challenges for a<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Machu-Picchu-2016"> trek</a>,
<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">cycle</a> or team <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">challenge </a>yourself and help Maggie’s to support people who are facing the
challenges that a cancer diagnosis brings? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are still spaces available on the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Ben-Nevis-Charity-Challenge-2016">Ben Nevis Charity Challenge 2016</a>...here is a short video to get your challenge taste buds going...</span></div>
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Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the
website or contact us directly: </span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">W</span></b><span style="color: #666666;">: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</span></a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk"><span style="color: #436590; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a> <b>T: </b>01590
646410</span></span></div>
Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-17190926667188497252015-08-28T10:39:00.004-07:002015-08-28T10:46:59.909-07:00London to Paris by bike...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Au Revoir, Bonne chance à tous les cyclistes…</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This coming Thursday we will say Au Revoir and Bonne Chance
to our 120 cyclists taking on their very own <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">Tour De France</a>. With support from
the Dream Challenges team the challenge will take them through the rolling
English countryside and the vast agricultural landscapes of Northern France to
the finish line at the Eiffel Tower, in the heart of the spectacular city of
Paris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The challenge is to cycle 237 miles in just three days. The
ride has cyclists of all abilities taking part, some participating for the love
of cycling, some for a new challenge and others for a great fundraising cause.
We even have four cyclists coming over from Belgium and five from America. We
can promise you one thing they will all have in common by the end of the ride -
and no not a sore derriere - it will be the sheer exhilaration they will all feel
when cycling through the Champs-Elysee and their first spot of the Eiffel Tower
in front of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To celebrate the ride here is a little insight into what to
expect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tour itself…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On day one we will all travel from London to Caen. This is approximately
77 miles cycling. Starting early to avoid the London traffic it won’t be long
before we are cycling through stunning English countryside in the hilly North
Downs. We will have lunch near the town of Haslemere before tackling the hills
of the South Downs. On reaching Portsmouth we will enjoy dinner and a refresh
at a local hotel before boarding the overnight sleeper ferry to Caen. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNgG-dbSg2Y/VeCefwg873I/AAAAAAAAAQc/fv0w-2hGF-8/s1600/2014-09-06%2B08.31.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNgG-dbSg2Y/VeCefwg873I/AAAAAAAAAQc/fv0w-2hGF-8/s640/2014-09-06%2B08.31.12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday will see the cyclists tackle 85 miles from Caen to
Evreux approximately. Following a hearty breakfast on the ferry and docking in
Caen it is then back in the saddle for a stunning day of cycling – remembering
of course to cycle on the right! Leaving Caen behind us we cycle towards Rouen
where we encounter rolling French hills. We soon reach our lunch stop just
north of Liseux. After lunch we have a fairly flat ride all the way into the
town of Evreux where we stop overnight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/idgz1A-flpU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/idgz1A-flpU?feature=player_embedded" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="320"></iframe><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final day will arrive before we know it, taking the
cyclists from Evreux to Paris approximately 75 miles cycling. Leaving Evreux we
cycle through charming, yet sleepy, traditional French towns until we reach our
lunch stop near Septeuil. From there it is one last push towards the finish
line. On reaching Paris we will re-group and cycle up the Champs-Elysee, around
the Arc de Triomphe towards our finish line at the Eiffel Tower. In the evening
we will enjoy a celebration dinner together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Participant stories…</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we said earlier we have a whole array of cyclists taking
part. Some from overseas, some keen cyclists who are self-funding and others
who are doing it to raise money for a charitable cause. Leading up to the event
the closed Facebook group has been full of banter. They have been sharing
training stories, kit updates but mainly the running theme has been about post
cycling or mid cycling cake stops. However, underneath the fun for some people
lies a serious reason as to why they are taking part. Here are a couple of
these stories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our participants Chris Read runs a small UK
charity called <a href="http://www.asmileforachild.org/">A Smile for a Child</a>. The charity helps disabled children and
young people to progress in sport. This is done by buying sports equipment for
them to use. It could be something small and simple to something large like a
sports wheelchair. Whatever it is the charity wants to make a difference to
that child’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spoke to Chris and here is what he said: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“My three colleagues
and I are taking part in the<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016"> London to Paris bike ride</a> with Dream Challenges to
fundraise for children like Esmie. Esmie
was born prematurely and has damage to both kidneys, she was resuscitated three
times but amazingly she survived.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now two years old
and all things considering Esmie is doing really well, however, to help with
her mobility Esmie needs special equipment. In and out of hospital, Esmie needs
more help to do the things other children take for granted. Our aim is
fundraise to get Esmie the specialist equipment required to help her enjoy her
life to the full and participate in activities with the other children around
her.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also have a team of six from <a href="http://klharchitects.com/">KLH Architects</a>,
based in Copdock taking on the ride. Ben Moore, Tom Bryce, Andy Garnham, Bryan
Wybrow and company directors, Martyn Goodwin and Robert Keeble are hoping to
raise £2000 for <a href="http://www.ipswichhospital.nhs.uk/getinvolved/supporting-our-charity.htm">The Ipswich Hospital Charity</a>, which was set up to raise funds
to improve the level of care to patients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project architect, Bryan Wybrow, who has undertaken
a demanding training programme involving cycling to and from his home in
Felixstowe to work, said: “We’ve been in training for six months now, it’s a
great team to be part of; really supportive of one another, the cause and the
company.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Director Martyn Goodwin, admitted they were all
“pretty nervous” about the challenge ahead of them. “The three days are
definitely going to be a struggle but I’m confident that it will also be a
fantastic and memorable experience for the team,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The cause is a very personal one to KLH Architects;
we’ve done a lot of work for Ipswich Hospital in past years and currently we’re
designing the hospitals new Oncology Department. We hope that our three days of
suffering will go a long way to providing much needed care.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbKZn5At180/VeCbdfsrZkI/AAAAAAAAAQI/hDfnb4nUiZc/s1600/KLH%2Barchitects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbKZn5At180/VeCbdfsrZkI/AAAAAAAAAQI/hDfnb4nUiZc/s640/KLH%2Barchitects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many more amazing stories from our
participants and we look forward to sharing them with you in the coming weeks
through the blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The most Amazing Experience…</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KocP79Nia8M/VeCb6ul_hKI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/3AC820p0zYw/s1600/DSCF9965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KocP79Nia8M/VeCb6ul_hKI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/3AC820p0zYw/s640/DSCF9965.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love looking through our past testimonials of the event
and we just know that all of you taking part will truly love the challenge.
Here are a couple of testimonials from past cyclists which we love: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“I did the<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016"> London to Paris Bike Ride </a>in 2011 and it really was the most amazing experience. The
cycling is tough but the feeling you get when you cross the finish line at the
Eiffel Tower is second to none! The celebration night in Paris was great fun
too! Two years on and I am still boring all my friends and family with London
to Paris stories!”</i> Alan Davis <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London to Pari</a>s Participant 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“Everyone should experience
the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London to Paris Bike Ride</a>! Over 200 miles of amazing cycling in beautiful
English and French countryside! The organisation was first class and the
support along the way was brilliant”.</i> Sarah Thorne <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London to Paris</a>
Participant 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bon Voyage…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dream Challenges team want to wish our cake
loving cyclist’s good luck and Bon Voyage. We look forward to greeting them at
the Eifel Tower and celebrating their success. Keep an eye out on Facebook and
Twitter as we update you of their progress during the three days they are
away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who feel inspired to take on a
challenge there are still spaces available on our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London to Paris 2016 </a> ride. To find out more please visit: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2015"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2015</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span class="textexposedshow"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-15092207113366798762015-08-24T01:16:00.002-07:002015-08-24T01:16:23.096-07:00Meet Ironwoman...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This weeks post is from our very own Ironwoman Jos Morgan who has taken on many Dream Challenges and just took on her very own epic challenge Ironman UK. Here is an insight into Jos ups and downs along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I see the tiniest advert in our gym...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Imagine the scene, I've just moved on from a very intensive
job which had taken up pretty much six or seven days per week of my life for
the last six years and been at times almost more stressful than I could bear. I
take a new role where I'm only expected to work Monday to Friday and on top of
that, ‘normal’ working hours too. After years in a pressure cooker, I suddenly
have a life back and wonder how to fill it with something more rewarding. I see
the tiniest advert in our gym for a charity cycle ride around the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Cycle-China-2016">Great Wall of China</a>, a little bubble of anticipation surfaces inside me….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1arSuCX7w4/VdrRhET2mPI/AAAAAAAAAPg/7kwmwAfypKQ/s1600/jos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1arSuCX7w4/VdrRhET2mPI/AAAAAAAAAPg/7kwmwAfypKQ/s320/jos.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have to go out and buy a bike, I've not ridden since
University days, I have to get buy in from my husband, my friends think I'm nuts, but heck I'm doing this and what’s more it’s all about me and rising to a
challenge. I almost feel guilty it’s for charity as that’s not what’s at the
heart of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All that changes when I finally arrive, nervous and alone on
the event. The first night someone has a guitar and we’re off and bonded from
night one. My room mate is lovely, many of the people on the event have done
them before and know each other, but rather than being cliquey, they welcome
all us newbies with open arms. I had a blast. The cycling was amazing, seeing
things and staying places I could never have dreamed of. But what astounded me
were the tetraplegic cyclists alongside us, suddenly I forgot I was doing this
for altruistic reasons and became awestruck by what the charity could do for
people who faced life changing injuries. I'm hooked, I loved it, it’s kind of
strange when it’s all over and I go back to ‘normal’.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now I am an advocate...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now, I am an advocate! I persuade a friend of mine to join
another one, <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Vietnam-and-Cambodia-2017">Vietnam to Cambodia</a>. It’s just as incredible, the camaraderie, the
places, the experience, the heat, the team, the ups, the downs. If you think
you see real countries on holiday, I realise you have no idea. Once again, the
tetraplegic cyclists remind me what incredible work this charity achieve. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fV0-UjENKwk/VdrRFa_br7I/AAAAAAAAAPY/9hyePCxwOGw/s1600/DSC07433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fV0-UjENKwk/VdrRFa_br7I/AAAAAAAAAPY/9hyePCxwOGw/s640/DSC07433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Next I persuade another friend to join me on <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/London-to-Paris-Bike-Ride-2016">London toParis</a>, and she’s hooked too! We have a hysterical few days, non stop laughter
but the support from the organisers, the camaraderie and sense of achievement
is undimmed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shortly after this ride, my mobility is brought to an
unfortunate halt as I slip on some ice and shatter my ankle. I lie disconsolate
in hospital, am informed I'm unlikely to ever be a runner but that cycling is
the one thing that will be fine. I'm also told it will be a year before I'm anything like back to full fitness and even then….in the throes of misery I
actually receive an e-mail from Action for Charity telling us of the next
challenge, in<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016"> South Africa</a>, a place on my bucket list. I have got 18 months to
get there and I suddenly feel that determination take hold again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The next five
months are the tough physically but I am sure I can get there and I slowly
progress from, literally, three steps, to thirty steps, to half a mile. I
engage a personal trainer at the gym and over the course of the next twelve
months he gets me fit again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">South Africa</a> was fantastic, another brilliant, funny, crazy
group of people from all walks of life. Everyone there for different reasons,
but all in the same boat, supporting each other, making lifelong friendships,
being equally astounded by the capabilities and determination of our tetra
riders. Once again, the routes we took each day were amazing, scenic,
challenging, out of the ordinary. Having been now on four rides, I see many
familiar faces and its incredible how you just pick up where you left off. The
group trials, tribulations, triumphs and experience bond you in a way that it
is difficult to explain unless you have done it and there is invariably a
rather strange down period on the return…..but always the knowledge that there
will be another one to sign up for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">South Africa</a> I continued with my training and last
year completed a significant one day cycling event in the Lakes, alongside
another mad person who I met on the ride in <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">South Africa</a>. Many thanks to
Alistair for putting his hand up and sharing the literal ups and downs of all
six Lake District Passes in the 112 mile Fred Whitton Ride, it would not have
been the same on my own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Inspired to do one last challenge...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n144G5KdjMo/VdrPkjWFWnI/AAAAAAAAAPE/NdyYafpnQSg/s1600/cts-loughcutra-0515_1266796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n144G5KdjMo/VdrPkjWFWnI/AAAAAAAAAPE/NdyYafpnQSg/s320/cts-loughcutra-0515_1266796.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And so, inspired to do ‘one last challenge’ I sit here with
three weeks to go to Ironman UK. To prove the doctor wrong, I have taken up
running, and so far so good. To really do my head in, I had to learn to crawl
from scratch. It was, and still is, horrible, but I now know I can get round
those 2.4 miles of horror before jumping on my bike for 112 miles. I can’t
imagine how I will finish that off with a marathon but somehow I will and if
the Gods are smiling and nothing goes wrong I will hopefully be an Ironman in
three weeks time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And none of this would have happened if I hadn't seen that
tiny advert and gone out to buy a bike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My top tip is simply this. If you don’t challenge yourself
you will never know what you can achieve. You will never share in what others
achieve. Although you’re never too old (49 is a bit ancient to try an Ironman
for the first time!) equally, just don’t put it off. As a result of every
challenge I have signed up for I feel a little bit more confident, a little bit
more epic, a little bit more ‘can do’. And that manifests itself every day in
so many situations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It’s a no brainer, so just do it, now! </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>W</b>: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-22746882941798867212015-08-15T00:38:00.000-07:002015-08-15T00:38:58.503-07:00Meet the Team...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over
the coming weeks we will be posting two minute interviews with the people
behind the scenes that make all our challenges happen. So here is round one of
an insight into the wonderful team challenge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First up is Chrissy...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QrrljGpNF0/VcxWvgoAVJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/CeEt1aNC85w/s1600/brecon%2Bchrissy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QrrljGpNF0/VcxWvgoAVJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/CeEt1aNC85w/s320/brecon%2Bchrissy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have worked for Action for Charity since January this year
as the operations assistant, so I do a lot of booking and organisation for our
UK Challenges. Such as </span><a href="http://www.ridethenight.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ride the Night </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which is our epic women only night bike
ride through London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This photo was taken at our <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Race-the-Sun-Brecon-Beacons-2016">Race the Sun Brecon Beacons</a>, which is a team challenge event. It is a long day but we make it fun and seeing the teams complete the challenge makes the hard work worth it. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What did you do before joining the team?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did sports at college and went on to do a summer season in the south of
France teaching windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and mountain biking. My return
to the UK was perfect timing as I saw this job advertised so I went for it and
here I am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj2BNFVmfdo/VcxYLmZQB9I/AAAAAAAAAOI/3Zai57qbbHA/s1600/DSC_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xj2BNFVmfdo/VcxYLmZQB9I/AAAAAAAAAOI/3Zai57qbbHA/s640/DSC_0936.JPG" width="640" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell us what your favourite event is that you have been on? </b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WWD4doG0Lc/VcxY2fSH84I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/S8a_8_we1u8/s1600/whatis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WWD4doG0Lc/VcxY2fSH84I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/S8a_8_we1u8/s320/whatis1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far my favourite event has been <a href="http://www.ridethenight.co.uk/what_is_ride_the_night.php">Ride the Night 2015</a>, the
atmosphere is incredible. Everyone is on such a high and proud of their fundraising
efforts for cancer charities. It is lots of fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In October this year I am going on my first overseas event <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Women-V-Cancer-Cycle-Africa-Group-4">Women V Cancer Cycle Africa</a>. We will cycle with a group of women across rural Tanzania. The route looks stunning.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have any favourite moments from events?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favourite moments so far have been the awards ceremonies at the end of
the UK events, it is always so nice to see so many people come back to see the
results and the awards. Even if some people know they have not won an award
they love to come to celebrate with everyone the achievement of completing the
challenge.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would be your dream challenge? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</b>I would love to do the 3 volcano challenge that Action for charity and
dream challenges did a few years ago.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell us something
random about you…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favourite colour is Pink, pizza topping is Salami and
chilli. Something I am scared of is…Ladybirds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>W</b>: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-76116523674095747262015-08-09T23:30:00.000-07:002015-08-09T23:30:00.937-07:00A sneaky peak into The Big Heart Bike Ride Tanzania...<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since 2007 we have run seven Big Heart Bike Rides. The first
ever ride was in Cuba, since then the BHBR has travelled to India twice, Sinai
in Egypt, Tanzania and Jordan. The events have raised thousands of pounds for a
number of heart charities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ride sees all types of challengers take part. Some already have the cycling bug, others have previously completed a Big Heart Bike Ride, plus people who at the point of registration worry they are too old or too unfit. The great thing is that they all work together and finish together. We know that following the event many long standing friendships are formed.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZkZ8jtQ_dY/VcMz2wBAneI/AAAAAAAAALU/se3QRGKIMls/s1600/bigheart%2Bcuba%2Bche%2Bguevara%2Bmonument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZkZ8jtQ_dY/VcMz2wBAneI/AAAAAAAAALU/se3QRGKIMls/s640/bigheart%2Bcuba%2Bche%2Bguevara%2Bmonument.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2016 we will be taking the ride back to Tanzania, Africa.
This week we wanted to give you a sneaky peak into the ride with the use of photos
taken when our crew did a recce of the route. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting in the
shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro…</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywpyXZ2_pGQ/VcMzw6gB_FI/AAAAAAAAALM/4E2WJwRcyCs/s1600/Kilimanjaro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywpyXZ2_pGQ/VcMzw6gB_FI/AAAAAAAAALM/4E2WJwRcyCs/s640/Kilimanjaro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Big Heart Bike Ride in Africa will entail five
consecutive days of cycling for a distance of 360km across stunning Tanzania.
The starting point for the cycle is Moshi which lies in the shadow of Mount
Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 meters. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Moshi the ride heads to its first overnight camp at
Olpopongi Maasai Village. Cycling through the bustling Maasai town of Sanyu Juu
and on through lush landscapes. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIlqe7WGkGM/VcNPZ9AD2iI/AAAAAAAAAL0/6HvuC2T3tQs/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIlqe7WGkGM/VcNPZ9AD2iI/AAAAAAAAAL0/6HvuC2T3tQs/s640/IMG_6592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPoOKzILwDA/VcNPmShOi8I/AAAAAAAAAMA/rNgeKsWMF6k/s1600/IMG_6648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPoOKzILwDA/VcNPmShOi8I/AAAAAAAAAMA/rNgeKsWMF6k/s640/IMG_6648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will be greeted by the ever-friendly local children as we cycle from village to village. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once at Olpopongi Maasai Village take the opportunity to explore and we will be given an insight into the authentic Maasai way of life. In the evening whilst we relax around the campfire we will be enchanted by the Maasai dancing and singing.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Olpopongi Massai
Village to Arusha…</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyWFwgk1ibo/VcNSA9FeqwI/AAAAAAAAAMI/NLK_RELsRR0/s1600/Mas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyWFwgk1ibo/VcNSA9FeqwI/AAAAAAAAAMI/NLK_RELsRR0/s640/Mas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following morning we leave the Olpopongi Maasai Village
and head to Arusha which is 76kms away. We will start the day by cycling
through an area sandwiched between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru (4565m),
still considered by experts to be an active volcano.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The volcanic landscape offers a striking difference to the
lush surroundings of Kilimanjaro. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is the potential to see lots of
wildlife along the route today including giraffe, impala, baboon, monkey and a
variety of birdlife. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A88PQenJZa0/VcNS2zA53bI/AAAAAAAAAMg/x7-GOELuSTI/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A88PQenJZa0/VcNS2zA53bI/AAAAAAAAAMg/x7-GOELuSTI/s640/IMG_6724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will finish the day by cycling into the bustling town
of Arusha, the main town in northern Tanzania where we stay in comfort in a
hotel for the night. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From hustle and
bustle to tranquil grasslands…<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning we will head from Arusha to Zion Campsite
near Tarangire National Park a 94km cycle.
After a few kilometres we leave the hustle and bustle of Arusha behind
to cycle through beautiful rolling and seemingly endless grasslands. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9H9UjbNoMI/VcNSmiVq2II/AAAAAAAAAMU/qM6vFXUhNeI/s1600/IMG_5852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9H9UjbNoMI/VcNSmiVq2II/AAAAAAAAAMU/qM6vFXUhNeI/s640/IMG_5852.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our lunch
stop will give us the opportunity to visit the nearby Mtimmoja Primary School
where approximately 380 Maasai children are educated.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF-7012ppFM/VcNUBcBtp5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/W1vLCwsrXt4/s1600/IMG_6608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF-7012ppFM/VcNUBcBtp5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/W1vLCwsrXt4/s640/IMG_6608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a long but
beautiful day of cycling we descend into the warm basin of the east African
Rift Valley where we camp close to the Tarangire National Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cycle Tarangire National
Park to Manyara National Park…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park.
The first half of today’s ride is a speedy and flat 35kms on a wide and comfortable
asphalt road. Cycling through the Rift Valley it becomes an area of stark
contrasts, great natural beauty and fantastic off-road cycling. If we are lucky
we may see troops of monkey and baboon crossing the bumpy dirt trail which cuts
through various cultivated areas. As we approach Lake Manyara a hillier section
merges with a swampy area. Arriving and staying in Lake Manyara National Park
overnight. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cycle to the finish
line in the Garden of Eden…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-em9WUtyKYoY/VcNWcHnZuQI/AAAAAAAAANQ/EU9DmGuYnFM/s1600/IMG_5857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-em9WUtyKYoY/VcNWcHnZuQI/AAAAAAAAANQ/EU9DmGuYnFM/s640/IMG_5857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We cycle today to our finish line at the gates of the
Ngorongoro Crater National Park, often referred to as ‘The Garden of Eden’.
Ngorongoro is famous for its profusion of wildlife found within the extinct
crater which was formed when a large volcano exploded three million years ago.
It is 610 meters deep and has a floor area of 260 square kilometres. Upon
reaching the gates of the Ngorongoro Crater there will be the opportunity for
celebrations as we cross the official finish line.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8x_jHwRlLl8/VcNYe2Sb-JI/AAAAAAAAANc/I-uSmeRri7k/s1600/IMG_5851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8x_jHwRlLl8/VcNYe2Sb-JI/AAAAAAAAANc/I-uSmeRri7k/s640/IMG_5851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After completing the challenge of a lifetime the following
day we have the opportunity to take an optional jeep safari into the Ngorongoro
Crater which affords the best chance to see lots of game at various locations
around the crater before having a picnic lunch at the hippo pool. An incredible
way to end an incredible adventure.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A challenge of a
lifetime completed…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Feel inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>W</b>: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-53513867682988375372015-08-03T01:24:00.000-07:002015-08-03T01:24:54.786-07:00I have walked 500 miles and I would walk 500 more…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cP-uAb69Kuc/Vb8guuW9HSI/AAAAAAAAAKk/ZZCjc8oXKcw/s1600/Joanne%2Bat%2BEBC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cP-uAb69Kuc/Vb8guuW9HSI/AAAAAAAAAKk/ZZCjc8oXKcw/s400/Joanne%2Bat%2BEBC.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are not quite sure if our feature guest has covered quite
as many miles as The Proclaimers did in their famous 1980’s hit. However, we
are pretty sure they are not far off. This week we asked Dream Challenges
repeat challenger Joanne Chapman to tell us why, in the past seven years, she has
completed no less than nine challenges with Dream Challenges. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">It started with a love of walking…</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
have always had a love of walking, having grown up in the Pennines with the
Pennine Way on my doorstep. I walked that one with a friend and her father at
the tender age of 16 and followed it the next year with the Coast to Coast.
Long distance walking was then curtailed to weekend walks as I headed off to
university and then started my career as a Chartered Accountant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLRUskhKGvE/Vb8g-cfzaMI/AAAAAAAAAKs/abEW6bpEcE8/s1600/Breakfast%2Bat%2BCathedral%2BPeak_Yosemite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLRUskhKGvE/Vb8g-cfzaMI/AAAAAAAAAKs/abEW6bpEcE8/s320/Breakfast%2Bat%2BCathedral%2BPeak_Yosemite.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However,
I never lost the bug and in 2008, after seeing a poster for the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Jordan-2016">JordanianDesert Walk</a>, I took the plunge, signed up and have never looked back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did
not know a soul on that walk, but within minutes of meeting everyone at the
airport I had made new friends, many of whom I remain in touch with. I followed
Jordan with the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Machu-Picchu-2016">Inca Trail </a>in Peru in 2009, which remains one of my favourites.
Seeing <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Machu-Picchu-2016">Machu Pichu</a> for the first time, through the Sun Gate in the early
morning light, is something I will not easily forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a break from the Dream
Challenges treks in 2010 and headed off to Yosemite with a group of friends to
walk part of the John Muir Trail through the Sierra Nevada (more on that
below). The break didn’t last long as 2011 saw me back with Dream Challenges
for my first visit to <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Trek-Nepal-2016">Nepal </a>and the Annapurna trek. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
then upped the ante in 2012, heading back to Yosemite with an old university
friend to complete the 210 mile John Muir Trail passing through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_National_Park" title="Yosemite National Park">Yosemite</a>,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_Canyon_National_Park" title="Kings Canyon National Park">Kings Canyon</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_National_Park" title="Sequoia National Park">Sequoia</a>
National Parks. We carried full kit and camped out for most of the trail. There
were a couple of nights when we stayed in ranches along the way and enjoyed a
hot shower rather than a freezing cold dip in the mountain tarns. A fabulous
walk with stunning views, but not one for the faint hearted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How
do you beat the John Muir Trail…..well, I guess by signing up for the Everest
Base Camp trek. That was 2013 sorted and in 2014, my fiftieth birthday
year, I climbed <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Mount-Kilimanjaro-Trek-2016">Kilimanjaro</a>, completed the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Snowdonia-Charity-Challenge-2016">Snowdonia Challenge</a> and for my
actual birthday, flew out to <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Uganda-2016">Uganda</a> on the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Uganda-2016">Gorilla Trek</a> – fabulous. To track
and then sit with the mountain gorillas is one of the highlights of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jWnwB66vk/Vb8hm-bNETI/AAAAAAAAAK0/cBzMwa20LXo/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9jWnwB66vk/Vb8hm-bNETI/AAAAAAAAAK0/cBzMwa20LXo/s640/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So what does the future hold? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well,
September 2015 is the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Great-Wall-of-China-Trek-2015">Great Wall of China trek</a> with a tour extension to take in
the Terracotta Warriors. 2016 is another private venture with some friends when
we head out to Nepal to trek in the Upper Mustang Region with the Sherpa who
led us to Everest Base Camp and for 2017. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2vi-tiBX3Zs/Vb8iKqgsIiI/AAAAAAAAAK8/cxjO3HPQO1g/s1600/Great%2BWall%2Bof%2BChina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2vi-tiBX3Zs/Vb8iKqgsIiI/AAAAAAAAAK8/cxjO3HPQO1g/s640/Great%2BWall%2Bof%2BChina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I plan to walk from John O’Groats to Lands End
with a couple of friends. I have no idea what I will do after that, but I have
no intention of hanging up my walking boots whilst I can still put one foot in
front of the other. The challenge is now on for Dream Challenges to come up
with something new for me to do as I have just about exhausted their trekking
list!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Those who are tempted…I can only
say DO IT.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For
those who are tempted to sign up for their first trek, I can only say DO IT.
You won’t regret it and you’ll meet some amazing people and make some friends
for life. Just make sure you are fit enough, your boots fit properly and are
well walked in (blisters can make for a miserable trek) and you are capable of
carrying your day pack. For the John Muir Trail when I had a full pack and
camping equipment I trained by putting three large granite rocks inside my
rucksack and endlessly walked the cliff paths by my home. I also cycle a great
deal and make sure not to cheat on the steep hills. When the going gets tough,
put your head down, grit your teeth, think of the charity you’re fund raising
for and get on with it. You’ll be amazed at how far you can push yourself and
the sense of achievement when you reach the top is phenomenal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Feel inspired? To find out more
about Dream Challenges events please contact us: </span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.65pt; margin: 10pt 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">W: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php">www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php</a> E:</span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:events@dreamchallenges.co.uk"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> P: 01590 646410</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-43619677922290241462015-07-26T23:55:00.000-07:002015-07-26T23:55:00.598-07:00Big Johns Story...<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our participants have many different motivations for
taking on their challenge. We hear remarkable stories along the way on why people
are trekking through<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Jordan-2016"> Jordan</a> or climbing <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Mount-Kilimanjaro-Trek-2016">Mount Kilimanjaro</a>. So this week we
wanted to share this awe inspiring story of how Big John came to us for his
first challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Out of the blue…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In spring 2009, out of the blue, my girlfriend was
diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and given a year to live. She wanted to
make the most of that time and her friends and I made her the centre of our attention
until we lost her in November 2010. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was a great sportswoman, coach and teacher who wanted
each of us to have something to aim for to fill the aching space after she had
gone. In August one Sunday afternoon we were reading the papers when she piped
up and said “you should do that” which is how, 15 minutes later at the age of
59 and not being near a bicycle since I was in my teens, “very Big John” found
himself signed up for the 2011 <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">Big Heart Bike Ride in Tanzania. </a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ_vK6ycCQw/VbIwUTZj4LI/AAAAAAAAAJg/ZdlUoACcW-w/s1600/action-for-charity_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ_vK6ycCQw/VbIwUTZj4LI/AAAAAAAAAJg/ZdlUoACcW-w/s640/action-for-charity_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting Started…</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buying a bike and getting started was an experience.
There were so many levers to pull and gears to change compared to what I could
remember and I had to get fit! That didn't mean that I needed to train like an
Olympian but I did need to spend a gradually increasing amount of time in the
saddle. Less than a year later I was riding in the African bush even though I still
could not claim to have mastered the gears and mechanics. She was a wise woman
and knew that the training, fundraising and commitment required would give me a
sense of purpose when I might otherwise have become melancholic and depressed
and just drifted through the days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I caught the action challenge bug…</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since then I have caught the challenge bug. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have tried to do one action challenge each year. September 2012 saw me trek </span><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Mount-Kilimanjaro-Trek-2016" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kilimanjaro</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for Cancer Research. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In November 2013 I completed the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">Big Heart Bike Ride in Jordan</a> followed a week later by another ride in South Africa for a disability
charity called Regain and in February 2015 I finished the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">Big Heart Bike Ridein Rajasthan</a>, which raised £250,000 for the British Heart Foundation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7i6N8WnFXk/VbIybU7E6UI/AAAAAAAAAKE/xVQzgxUwWj4/s1600/BHBR%2BJordan%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="464" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7i6N8WnFXk/VbIybU7E6UI/AAAAAAAAAKE/xVQzgxUwWj4/s640/BHBR%2BJordan%2B5.jpg" title="Big Heart Bike Ride In Jordan" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along the way I have met some wonderful people, been privileged to stand at the lowest point on earth (the Dead Sea), the highest mountain in Africa and at its southernmost tip, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean.</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="420" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62ldhOBy7b4/VbIxfW01csI/AAAAAAAAAJs/BojOsq1y1F0/s640/taj%2Bmahal.jpg" width="640" /><span id="goog_968447253"></span><span id="goog_968447254"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have walked in the streets of the ancient cities of
Jerash and Petra in Jordan. Through the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016">Taj Maha</a>l and Amber Fort in India. All
in the company of great people, many of whom have become friends and taken part
in more than one challenge with me. I have raised nearly £20,000 for the
various charities that I have supported and had a lot of fun doing so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big John will ride again…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I write this it is less than a year to the 2016 <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Africa-2016">BigHeart Bike Ride in Tanzania</a> and the 2017 <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/The-Big-Heart-Bike-Ride-in-Vietnam-and-Cambodia-2017">Big Heart Bike Ride Cambodia to Vietnam</a>
is looming on the horizon. I am signed up for both and, god willing, not quite
as “Big John” will be riding again. I hope to see many other veterans on these
trips as well as many first timers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpmOIuv-5K4/VbIzJSwJ3KI/AAAAAAAAAKM/oeicdMfddJQ/s1600/zebras_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpmOIuv-5K4/VbIzJSwJ3KI/AAAAAAAAAKM/oeicdMfddJQ/s640/zebras_1_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the moment we arrive at Heathrow looking for any
other likely or unlikely cyclists, to the moment when we all go our separate
ways with vivid memories and shared experiences. Each challenge is different
and takes on its own character. They are very intense, physically and
emotionally but not impossibly so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laughter and tears...but all worth it! </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I admit to shedding tears of joy and frustration on more
than one occasion, laughing all day long at the antics and tales of the Peloton
and being genuinely stunned by the individual stories and diverse motivations
for people being on the ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not sure I would claim my experiences have been life
changing, even though for some I am sure they may well be, but they are
definitely life affirming so if you are thinking about taking on a challenge
you should absolutely sign up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the German philosopher Goethe once said <i>“whatever you can do or dream you can, begin
it. Boldness has genius and magic and power in it. Begin it now.”</i> So see
you at Heathrow one day soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Feel inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>W</b>: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php">www.actionforcharity.co.uk</a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4607918380452131855.post-78959389952534384682015-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:002015-07-20T07:00:07.494-07:00Top tips for Trekkers...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend Dream Challenges took a group of challengers to
the stunning Yorkshire dales for trek training. Each attendee is about to take
on their dream challenge - be it trekking through<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Borneo-2016"> Borneo</a>, exploring the <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Britain-V-Cancer-Great-Wall-of-China-Trek-2015">GreatWall of China</a> or climbing <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Mount-Kilimanjaro-Trek-2016">Mount Kilimanjaro</a> none are a small feat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The anticipation of what to come and how to tackle their
challenge was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. During the weekend they
took on two of the three Yorkshire peaks gaining them experience in trekking in
a new and challenging environment. This was all with the support and expert
guidance of our Mountaineering guru James Hardy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Caveman to Arctic Explorer…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been involved with outdoor pursuits for over 30 years,
climbing, caving, walking etc. My caving experiences go back even further to
1971! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've lived in the jungles of Belize, climbed Kilimanjaro,
walked with Masaii across the Rift Valley, climbed active volcanoes, ridden
horses in the Wadi Rum, Jordan and dog sledded in the Arctic Circle amongst
other experiences. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having now retired from the education environment, I find
myself involved with using horses. I help run a company that uses Equine
Facilitated Learning to help children develop emotional resistance and also
help companies develop their skills more effectively.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James advice…<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My advice to participants going on these big events, both in
the UK and abroad is always in three parts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Your equipment: always buy well in advance and wear it in
(including rucksacs). It can be expensive, but good equipment will last, poor
equipment always lets you down at the worse moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Your fitness: Walk as often as possible and in
challenging situations such as hills and steep ascents and descents. Walk in
poor weather, you do not want to find your kit is not as waterproof as you
thought. I've walked up Kilimanjaro in the pouring rain. Find people on the
challenge who live near and arrange walks together. Keep walking until D day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The Challenge: you will not fully understand the
environment you are going to until you arrive. This is the only part you have
little control over. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psychologically, you will be ready for the challenge and
it's environment if you are comfortable that parts one and two are covered and
you are happy with kit and fitness.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7D8v-tgBbk/Vaeq8He2qmI/AAAAAAAAAJE/eFKsI-p5trU/s1600/Poon%2BHill%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7D8v-tgBbk/Vaeq8He2qmI/AAAAAAAAAJE/eFKsI-p5trU/s640/Poon%2BHill%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further tips…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Start your training early</b>…</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is never too early to start your training. Or too late!!!
If you have 6 months or time has run away with you now only one month to go
still time to train. Start to build your strength and fitness gradually, this
will allow your body time to adapt – if you do too much too soon you may incur
injury.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If the shoe fits…</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good quality and appropriate footwear for your trek and your
walking training is essential. A supportive hiking shoe with ankle protection
is important but beware of ankle cuffs that are too high as they can irritate
the achilles tendon at the base of your calf. Look for an ankle cuff that is
scooped away at the back. Make sure that your trekking boots are thoroughly
broken in and your feet have bedded in — the time for blisters is now, not
during your trek. When purchasing your boots, try to shop in the afternoon when
your feet have expanded slightly so that you get the correct size</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The key to success could be your socks…</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With plenty of footwear focus, it’s easy to forget about the
best type of socks to wear. The right boots with the wrong socks will ruin your
tekking trip so when trying on boots, wear the same socks that you intend to
use for your trek. Look for materials such as Coolmax that has sweat wicking
properties or consider the new Gore-tex range that wick sweat away but are also
waterproof.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Build leg strength…</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leg strength will be key for your trek so in addition to
walking training which will strengthen your legs, try and include either gym
exercises such as leg presses and weighted squats, or lunges and bodyweight
squats.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Build your walking training…</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking training will be the foundation of your training
program and it is important to build steadily towards the sorts of distances
that you will be doing on your trek. Initially, intersperse training days with
rest days but as your fitness improves, look to include some ‘back-to-back’
training days, which will more closely replicate your actual trek.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>Train on similar walking terrain...</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;">Walking training is essential but it is also important to try and
mimic the conditions that you will experience as closely as you can. Try and
train on similar terrain to that of your trekking location. For example, for a
trek that includes mountain climbing, try some weekend scrambling as part of
your training. Also, practice in the same footwear and clothes and experiment
with a loaded backpack — it makes a big difference to your speed over the
ground.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>Practice using your back pack...</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;">It’s likely that you’ll be carrying items such as food, drink, spare
clothing and possibly more, so your choice of backpack is important. Look for
models with adjustable chest and waist straps so that you can position it
correctly on your back and also with external compression straps so that the
load doesn’t shift. More specialist types have removable bladders for liquid
consumption on the go, but remember that water and washing facilities may be
limited, so sterilisation may be difficult. Practice using your backpack (loaded)
as part of your training so that you are used to the weight and position.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>Try walking poles...</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;">Walking poles may make a big difference to your trek.
Lightweight and telescopic, they ease the load on knees and thighs on descents
and give you ‘two extra legs’ on steep climbs. They can also be used to
help clear vegetation and have numerous uses in a campsite. Definitely one to
try.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>Stay hydrated...</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During your training make sure
you are fully hydrated and have enough fluid with you for your planned training
trek. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stay fuelled...</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maintain your energy levels
during your training by making sure you snack on fruit or slow energy releasing
food to keep up energy levels. Eat a proper meal before and after. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfQyXRYUxVA/VaesphR4oAI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/88VNfSMw4d0/s1600/baby-mountain-gorilla-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfQyXRYUxVA/VaesphR4oAI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/88VNfSMw4d0/s320/baby-mountain-gorilla-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who feel inspired to take on a trekking
challenge, Dream challenges have the following life changing experiences that
you could be part of:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Uganda-2016">Trek Uganda 2016 </a></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Mount-Kilimanjaro-Trek-2016"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mount Kilimanjaro 2016 </span></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Jordan-2016">Trek Jordan 2016</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Machu-Picchu-2016"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trek Machu Picchu 2016 </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Let's-Trek-for-Children-in-India-2016"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lets Trek forChildren in India 2016</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.php/urlsearch/Trek-Borneo-2016"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trek Borneo 2016</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>W</b>: <a href="http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php">www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php</a> . <b>E: </b><a href="mailto:events@dreamchalleges.co.uk">events@dreamchallenges.co.uk</a> <b>T: </b>01590 646410</span></div>
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Dream Challengeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719924745883497763noreply@blogger.com0