Once again we awoke to amazing scenery and another day of clear blue skies which allowed for many more photographs. The buffalos thankfully didn’t cause too much chaos on the camp only leaving us a few gifts!
We wandered only for 30 minutes to visit the Annapurna conservation museum where we saw the history of the foundation of the Gurkhas. Then onto the village school of sikles where all the children lined up to meet us all just like reception children in the U.K. do in the playground. We had saved enough note pads, pencils, crayons, bouncy balls and whistles… all children at the school from 1-15 received a gift from us all, they were delighted and we were overwhelmed by their thankfulness. Off we went downwards, and downwards and downwards, steps and more steps and then the last suspension bridge over the river towards the last nights camp. We then headed up 400m via a wide tracked road passing a couple of trucks, cows and an army camp. We then came around the last corner to see the wonderful campsite set up over looking the other side of the river and a clear view of where we had set off from in the morning high up the other side 2500m where we are camping is at 1640m with yet another amazing view where all our tents are set up facing the mountains for our last sunrise tomorrow when we wake ready for our last day trekking…
Before dinner with a few sore legs in the camp the group decided on team stretching /Pilates. No better studio than the side of a mountain looking at the Annapurna range.
We were served our last supper on the trek, rice, goat meat curry and vegetables, just as all of the other meals prepared and cooked on site have all been superb… after supper we had a briefing about our last day and then we took the opportunity to say thank you to all the staff that have taken care of us, from Boda the owner of the tour company Snowy Horizons, his right hand men, Sherpas, camp managers, chefs and porters… all who were thankful of our generosity and we closed the night with a camp fire… good night
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After going to bed in the clouds we woke to the awesome sight of the Annapurna range. As each trekker awoke the sounds of amazement came and the cameras were out. It had been a cold night with frost on the outside of our tents but this view we worked so hard to reach yesterday was ours now, for the early part of the morning.
Once camp was cleared away we started our 700 metres descent through the jungle. We crossed many streams and uneven under-paths which were challenging to the trekkers but at all times we worked together. A couple of the group unfortunately slipped on more than one occasion, no names mentioned, but every time someone was there to help them up and support them along their way. We laughed, we joked, we supported each other and we listened as we started to realise what we had achieved yesterday and what we had to come.
The scenery was spectacular as we started to see the villages in the distance and our campsite in Parche next to the village of Silks. As we came over the hills we were faced with a herd of buffalo which caused a little stir amongst the group – especially when they started to wander next to our tents! With vultures circling above us we really were in the wild. A football stadium in mid-construction was next to our camp and villagers were playing in bare feet, desperate to be like their footballing idols, unfortunately with no funding they think it will take 10 years to complete the stadium.
Once our bags were taken off our tired shoulders, we were treated to another wonderful lunch before we sat together outside wondering what we could do to keep ourselves busy in the afternoon.
So the hot water bowls came out and the Dettol went in and the foot spa was open! With a hot drink in one hand we shared many a giggle with both male and female trekkers enjoying a foot soak. Conversation flowed and with many of the trekkers feeling that they could really do with washing their hair – Silks salon was born! With trekker Linda at the helm we all had a shampoo and head massage, a couple had to be done in the rain, and before long we had an audience. The villagers selling their gifts, the Sherpas and fellow trekkers all waited patiently for their turn. We laughed, we cried and we shared such fun moments together that we never anticipated and will never forget.
Before we knew it it was time for tea and then a Nepalese music/dance evening with the women’s union from the village who fund the development of the trekking paths. Being able to share their culture and support their work meant a lot to the trekkers and the women from the union were equally grateful for our support.
With the temperature a little warmer at camp we prepared ourselves for our last full day of trekking on Wednesday and with more memories to make the trekkers were still full of excitement not wanting this trek to end.
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Last night, after dinner we had a surprise from the local women’s group from the village, quite fitting as it was International Women’s Day. They trekked to our campsite to surprise is with native music and traditional dancing whilst they demonstrated an early celebration of the “festival of colour.” Most of the trekkers embraced the dancing and we were privileged to be joining in the celebrations at 1800 metres.
This morning, we awoke to the most beautiful scenery you could imagine, the trekkers were amazed at what they saw. Fresh pancakes and omelettes awaited us in our mountain-top mess tent as we fuelled up ready for our long trek to Tara Hill Top.
With the camp dismantled we trekked through the jungle with the summit ahead of us and in our sights. Each step was more breathtaking than the last, but equally as strenuous as the heat and humidity of the jungle continued to challenge us until we reached the top.
Throughout the day our spirits were kept high by our new unofficial leader, Becky, who kept the team in check and ensured that we didn’t lose anyone along the way! Ken, our official group leader, suggested a pop trivia game and that certainly helped keep our brains working.
We arrived at Tara Hill Top with emotions running high as we realised what we had achieved in the last six hours. We had climbed an additional 1254 metres – a greater ascension than if we had climbed Mount Snowdon! We set up camp at Tara Hill Top, the highest point in our entire trek.
Throughout the day, team work and support for each other has shone through and it has been the glue that has stuck us together.
Another delicious home cooked meal by our chef and his team and all our kit has been carried all day by the hardworking, strong and dedicated Sherpas.
Tonight our trekkers are sleeping in the clouds, with hope for blue skies and a panoramic view of the Himalayas for tomorrow morning.
After being told not to worry about leeches as “it is not their season,” three of the 13 trekkers (or 23% if you ask Gez) have been attacked! The little blood sucking devils have made seven indentations on the stricken trekkers, on Mo’s shin and on Matthews legs – which all warranted attention by the camp medic. We told you that we weren’t going on holiday!
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The trekkers morning started with a wake up call from our guides with hot drinks and hot water bowls to prepare us for our day of trekking. When we looked out of our tents we were greeted with the most amazing view of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain).
Freshly cooked breakfast of porridge, eggs and toast greeted our trekkers and mars bars, bounty’s and bananas were provided for our mid morning snack.
Sunscreen and insect spray applied and we were ready to go. We started the trail through rice fields and past villages before we crossed our third suspension bridge across a wide stream making a gradual climb to our camp at 1850 metres (6150 feet ) . On the way up we passed a local school and many lovely villagers who thoroughly enjoyed coming to greet us. With the temperature having been at over 25 degrees centigrade all day it was thirsty work and thankfully a tea hut near the top provided us with much needed refreshments. The opportunity to sit in the shade and take a well earned rest was greatly appreciated by everyone.
Our goal was in sight and we could see the Mandir (temple) at the top of the hill. We climbed the equivalent of 196 floors, 21,000 steps and gained over a km in height! An impressive 5 hour trekking in full sun!
Lunch on the mountain surprised us all with french fries, coleslaw and a hot spam butty!! We then had an afternoon chilling out and admiring our breathtaking view whilst some of the trekkers enjoyed soaking their feet in detol and others took the opportunity to go native in the shower! (Only the brave did this!! )
An afternoon of laughter, rest and some entertainment provided by the local villagers took us into the night where we were treated to yet another delicious meal.
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An early start to the day with a traditional Nepali breakfast in our hotel at 6 am. By 7am we were back at Kathmandu airport, back through security and waiting in the local departure lounge for our internal flight. A bit of bartering in the gift shop and the team now posses Nepal flag banners as our first memento, big thanks to Rachael! With the weather looking overcast and the rain coming in fast we were waiting patiently to see if our flight would go ahead.
The call finally came and we boarded our Buddha Air ATR42 turbo prop to Pokhara. A short journey and before we knew it we had landed and were finally ready to start our adventure. We headed to two sacred focal points in “Devi’s Fall” in Pattake Chhango and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. The cave is over 5000 years old and is one of the largest caves in South Asia. Once inside the cave we got to see the Idol of Lord Shiva and the awe-inspiring patale chhango or “underworld waterfall” falling.
We then took the hour-long drive to our starting point and it certainly was an interesting one! For those of you that have seen Top Gear in Nepal it was just like that, sheer cliff faces with hundred foot drops over the side and no where to pass should you meet another vehicle!! The temperature was certainly getting hot in the mini bus even more when Mo shouted “Ken shall I let the drivers know that the back doors have opened?” With Catherine’s heart racing we pulled over and decided to find a suitable place to take a break.
Thankfully we all made it and off we went. A nice brisk steady pace allowed for conversation to flow and for us all to take in what we had accomplished in the last 2 days through 3 flights, numerous coach journeys and the joy and good company we had shared already.
We crossed our first two suspension bridges saw wild monkeys in the field where we walked and started to really see first hand how it was to be a local villager living in Nepal. Beautiful happy children smiled as we went passed hoping we would have some treats for then.
Before long we saw the sign ‘Tatopani Retreat’, we had reached our campsite on the top of a mountain looking down the valley, only problem was the 340 steps to the top!
Greeted with silk scarves, hot drinks and biscuits, the team were more than impressed with our home for the evening. With our tents already made we needed to unpack take a moment and enjoy the scenery which was spectacular.
A delicious evening meal consisting of homemade soup, buffalo burgers, pasta and fresh vegetables awaited us tonight followed by a amazing celebration cake kindly made by our cooks.
Tomorrow it’s another early start for the group with a 6.30 an wake up. As I type this blog they are all sat around the campfire singing! Spirits are certainly high!
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Our Emirates flight from Manchester went without a hitch and we were all pleased to be finally on our way on our amazing adventure. With too many movies on offer the trekkers were torn between staying up, catching some much needed rest or simply playing solitaire!
Our 4.30 am UK team briefing took place after we had walked round in circles whilst too many chefs were shouting “we need to go to gate ‘F’.” The problem being every sign seemed to have the letter ‘F’ on it!
Once settled we took the lead from our tour leaders, Ken and Lindsey, regarding our plan of action and what we would do once we got to Kathmandu.
Excitement was running high and spirits were good as we then awaited our next flight after a 4-5 hour layover. With some trekkers needing some much required food although working out whether to eat breakfast or lunch was the tricky bit. When do we adopt our new time zone? McDonalds gave some of them a home comfort choice.
Our next flight allowed us all to share Mo’s and Paul’s birthday cake, well at least for those still awake.
We were greeted at the airport with a beautiful sunset and flower garlands by our crew and hosts for the week, Snowy Horizons and Bodha our chief guide.
Luggage placed in rooms then a quick 10 minutes to get changed and out for a home cooked traditional meal in a local restaurant.
Tired faces tonight and still need to pack bags ready for 6 am meet for the breakfast.
Travelling done for today… tomorrow Pokhara here we come…
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For our 2020 fundraising adventure St John’s Hospice is off to Nepal with 13 brave trekkers.
Each of them has chosen to take on the challenge of raising money for the Hospice as well as the Foothills of the Himalayas for their own reasons.
Watch their videos below to meet the trekkers and if you’d like to sponsor them please click below.
You can follow their adventure and see more photos on our Facebook Page.
St John’s Hospice is proud to be caring for and supporting Keith Ainsworth and his family. Keith is currently receiving treatment from St John’s including pain management.
He has been fundraising for the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) for 35 years. Famed for his fundraising throughout the area he is known as The Sootyman, after the mascot for the RNIB.
As part of St John’s commitment to Keith’s care we have supported his last wish of collecting the last £10,000 of a lifetime fundraising target of £500,000. We are delighted that through the support of the North West community, Keith has reached his target!
Keith and his family kindly ask that any further donations are now to be made to St John’s Hospice.
Keith said, “It’s important to me to fundraise for a charity where money is spent locally. Local fundraising for local charities is really important – look at St John’s Hospice, which is funded by people from across the area – they’ve been absolutely marvellous, they can’t do enough for you and as for the soups and the sweet trolley – just brilliant. “Sight loss is something that has hit me hard over the years, I miss my driving but most of all I miss being able to watch the football and cricket. I may be cracking on now but if I could raise that last £9,625 it would be like achieving a lifetime ambition.”
Director of Income Generation, Catherine Butterworth give Keith the news that he’s reached his target
St John’s Hospice provides care to those with life shortening conditions like Keith as well as their families from Grasmere to Garstang. This care is provided freely. We receive around 30% of our funding from the NHS while the remaining 70% comes from donations and fundraising. Every pound makes a difference.
Keith’s wife Carol added, “I was apprehensive at first about coming here to St John’s but all of them here; well they can’t do enough for Keith and I. Keith and I have been married for 33 years next month and his energy has inspired me to help him – even if it has sometimes meant counting copper coins on the carpet in the early hours of morning!”
Graham Liver from BBC Radio Lancashire visits Keith to congratulate him on reaching his target
Maddy Bass, Director of Nursing and Quality, St John’s Hospice said, “Keith’s work is a great example of supporting good causes, which as a charity we fully recognise. Keith is a lovely man and it’s a privilege to care for him.”
Our Sahara Trekkers have now departed! If you would like to donate to their efforts you can do so below:
At Ouarzazate airport we watched the sun rise over the Moroccan hills for a final time. A perfect, sultry morning with the promise of a long, hot day ahead that we left behind to start the journey home.
After 18 hours travelling, what a treat to arrive back at the hospice with the fundraising team and our friends and family there to meet us. We said our goodbyes and shared our final moments as Sahara trekkers 2019 together. But it’s clear this won’t be our last team effort. Plans are already afoot for the Moonlight Walk and Cross Bay Walk in June – there’s a good chance that many of us will meet again on a future trek – we shared a fabulous time together, many of us are keen to have another go.
If our blog has inspired you to have a go too, why not give the fundraising team a call on 01524 382538? It’s the Nepalese foothills trek in 2020 and there’s still plenty of time to raise the money needed. You can choose to self fund your place or you can use the money you raise to pay for your place as long as you are clear about this when you advertise your events. We have loads of ideas and inspiration to share with you, so go on, challenge yourself to do something amazing whilst raising money for St John’s, our fabulous local hospice!
After another night sleeping under the stars, our final day in the Sahara began with taking down tents and packing at 6am in total darkness. After more fabulous food, rustled up in a tent on a one ring burner with a pressure cooker! we said goodbye to our desert crew with a short ceremony to thank them for all their hard work. They were AMAZING, transporting our bags, cooking our meals and being on hand for those whose camping skills were a little lacking! Their final gift to us was a ride on their camels as the sun rose.
We headed off across a dry river bed flanked by endless dunes for our final three hours’ walking. The wind had changed, it was coming from the North, so our final trek was in weather similar to a fabulous spring day in England. Again, a time for reflection and conversation about our personal motivation for being in the middle of the desert and not washing for three days!
Our walk ended at a ruined fort just before a sandstorm blew up again. It was as though the weather waited for the SJH team to cross the finish line and have their final group photo together.
The first leg of our long journey back to civilisation began with an exhilarating one and a half hour jeep ride back to M’hamid where we picked up our minibus to start the 5 hour leg back to Ouarzazate and a shower!!!!
We met in the hotel bar, hardly recognising each other after washing off 5 days’ of desert dust before heading out to a local restaurant for a celebration meal. This was a chance to thank our wonderful Skyline team and our local guides. We couldn’t have done this without Simon, our trek leader (for the third time!), Sophie, our doctor plus Mohammed and Mohammed, our Saharan desert experts.
After much frivolity and laughter, we headed back to the hotel to prepare for our long journey back to Lancaster in the morning.
Who would have thought it was possible to miss a sandstorm?! Today’s walk was tough, in 30 degree heat with little or no shade. The beauty of the undulating sand dunes made the heat seem bearable though. We were heading for the largest sand dune in the area, with the promise of a spectacular sunset.
More fun pitching tents, but the heat was unbearable as we tried to make camp.
Just before sunset, we began our final steep ascent. This was tough at the end of a long searingly hot day, but teamwork and brute force ensured everyone got to the top in time to don hospice hoodies and watch the sun finally slip behind the dunes to end day 4. On the way down, as the stars began to appear, there were a few tearful moments as people took time to reflect on their reasons for trekking and their physical and emotional efforts on such a challenging day.
This morning we headed off into uncertainty. At our impromptu dinner at the gite, our guide, Simon, explained that we need to take a chance on the weather improving and make up the miles we lost yesterday. It looks like an 8-10 hour trek is ahead of us and, at the end, we may need to camp in the wild sandstorm after all.
After 10k walking, the wind really picked up. Even with our now-beloved sand goggles, it was impossible to see. With the heat increasing and water running short, even our desert guides were lost. We took shelter from the still- harsh mid-day sun underneath an area of dry desert shrubbery, trying to find a small patch of shade. As we waited and waited for the camel train to arrive, our talk turned to home and our reasons for joining the trek. It’s clear the hospice means so much to so many people in our community. It was humbling to hear. We waited for 2 hours in the burning heat but the storm didn’t abate. Even our guides looked concerned and eventually called for 4×4 assistance. One of the 4x4s got stuck in the sand so our rescue took longer than expected. Our rescue ended with a hair-raising jeep ride to a clearing where the guides set up a communal tent for lunch at 4pm!
We continued our walk after “lunch” and arrived in camp just in time to learn how to pitch our tents. After an amazing dinner of Moroccan tagine and delicious vegetables, we were all ready for bed. Most people chose to sleep outside, ending our 3rd day with an amazing display of shooting stars in the black night sky.
After a subdued start – yesterday’s journey was a long slog – we headed off over the ante Atlas Mountains with a fabulous view of the snow capped Atlas Mountains in the distance. The mountains look folded and dramatic. Crisp, cool air at 3000 feet was not what we expected from our first photo opportunity and some of us weren’t dressed for it!! As we descended on the other side we passed beautiful Kasbahs which are actually fortified threshing floors protected because of their value to the communities they serve. We stopped for mint tea and coffee at Kasbah Draas before heading to the nearby town to get fitted with our traditional desert headwear…. it’s fair to say, it suits some more than others!!
As we progressed towards the trek starting point, the weather changed and the hot desert winds whipped up. When we met the berbers (our desert guides) and our camel train, we were told it was too windy for us to camp as planned. A quick discussion led to us donning our newly acquired head-gear and skiing goggles (yes, when we saw them on the kit list, we laughed too!) before trekking through the late afternoon and early evening to a gite a little off course but a really fabulous mirage in the middle of a Saharan sandstorm. The family greeted us with peppermint tea and local snacks and the unexpected treat of a shower – 1 between all of us, but a shower none the less!
After a fiercely contested quiz we headed for bed in small dormitories rather than our tents. It’s fair to say, this was a relief for some of us!!
All checked in!
Team St John’s Hospice have arrived at Heathrow and are ready to start the next part of the journey! Extremely excited, nervous and apprehensive but one thing is for sure raising over 40k has involved team work and dedication from them all, all for Hospice care in our community.
And we’re off! On one of those fabulous, crisp North Lancashire March mornings, 17 of us left the hospice, a couple of people are meeting us in London. A mix of excitement and apprehension is in the air – how many service stations (wee stops!) are there between Lancaster and Heathrow?? It was fab to see so many friends, family and team members up so early to wave us off. A long journey lies ahead now – coach to Heathrow, flight to Casablanca, another flight to Ouarzazate then a long drive into the Sahara to meet our local guides and camels! We’ll let you know when we’re there!!
St John’s Hospice supporter from Morecambe, David Chandler, has completed a special challenge in support of St John’s Hospice.
David has undertaken thirty different volunteering roles for the hospice over 30 days, and produced a video diary of his experiences.
David explained, “with the hospice celebrating its 30th birthday in 2016, I thought I should do something mark the milestone. I knew there were lots of different volunteer roles and I thought it would be nice to highlight some of them and encourage more people to get involved.”
David has spent the last three months trying his hand at thirty different roles, including working in a charity shop, helping on the hospice ward, tidying the grounds, assisting at the donations warehouse and working on reception. “I was amazed when I looked at the list, just how many different roles there are”, says David. “It has been a great experience and I have met so many wonderful people. Staff and volunteers give so much to make the work of the hospice possible.”
David says he hopes his experience will encourage others to volunteer, “there really is something for everyone in terms of volunteering opportunities”, he says. “Whether your preference is to work with the public or behind-the-scenes; to be outdoors or in an office, there is something that will suit you, even if it’s just for a few hours a week.”
Asked to choose a favourite from the thirty roles, David replied “it’s a tough one, as I have really enjoyed the variety. I liked working at the donations warehouse, as you are sorting everything that comes in and you never know what you will find next. I also had a go at putting together some of the floral arrangements around the hospice and I was quite pleased with my efforts – I’d never done a flower arrangement before!”
Chief Executive at St John’s, Sue McGraw is full of praise for David, “this 30 day challenge is a perfect summary of the opportunities a local hospice can offer for people who are looking to “give something back” to their community. Without the support of our army of Volunteers, there simply would be no hospice. We are delighted David chose to make this film; his energy, enthusiasm and humour shine through. We hope he will inspire others to follow his lead and support their local hospice.”
You can watch the trailer and the full version of David’s video diary below. If you have been inspired by David’s efforts and you would like to volunteer at St John’s, visit www.sjhospice.org.uk/volunteer for more information and to see our list of current volunteer vacancies. Alternatively you can call 01524 382538 and ask to speak to the Volunteer Team.
David has supported the hospice in many unique and interesting ways in recent years. His previous challenges in aid of St John’s have included The Tube Challenge (visiting every London tube stop in 24 hours), The Lancashire Challenge (he was the first person to visit every Lancashire railway station in 24 hours – accompanied by Mike Stevens from BBC Radio Lancashire. He was also instrumental in bringing the Green Ayre Rises to Lancaster (Two day event at Lancaster Library marking 50 years since the closure of Green Ayre line). To date David has raised over £7,000 for St John’s Hospice, and he has plans for more unique challenges in the future! Follow David on Twitter @dchan52169.
Here is the daily blog from our China trek in 2016.
Thank you to all our amazing trekkers who together have raised over £100,000! We are truly in your debt.
And now to the blog…
We spent our last day and a half in and around Beijing. We walked around Tienanmen square which was an amazing sight to see – it’s vast. The 1st October is national day in China so the square was being prepared for this auspicious occasion. A new image of Chairman Mao is erected every year and the square is filled with the most amazing floral displays – lots of chrysanthemums, peonies and orchids. We then went into The Forbidden City, the home of imperial dynasties from the Ming to the Quing eras. It served as the home to emperors and their households for almost 500 years. The complex consists of nearly 1000 buildings and covers almost 180 acres. Again, it was vast and, as we visited on Sunday, filled with local tourists and just a few westerners. A couple of our group joined the thousands who queue to file past Chairman Mao who lies in state in one of the most ornate and imposing buildings of all.
On Monday morning, a small group of us visited a hospice in Beijing – thanks to Caroline who had helped with the arrangements for the visit with her expert grasp of Mandarin! We took gifts including our 30th anniversary booklet, some Lancaster blend tea from Atkinson’s and a couple of books about Lancaster and the Lake District. We were a little concerned about the formality of the visit, but our fears were allayed immediately. The hospice President and his team greeted us warmly, ushering us into a remarkably plush reception area for lots of group photos. We attended a day hospice session – a very interesting Chinese sing a long! Some of the patients were keen to perform for us and it was clear the President knew them well and they were very proud to show off their service to western visitors. We then visited the wards – 260 beds, supported by around 150 hospice staff in total. We spoke to a number of patients who seemed quite prepared for the end of their life, as the vast majority were Buddhists who believe in reincarnation. The President asked one lady what she’d like to come back as in the next life – she said “a man” which amused us all!
The wards were much, much busier than ours and a little more careworn, but the staff were exactly the same; kind, committed people who were patient focused and determined to do a good job despite the financial pressures they faced.
We left Beijing on Monday afternoon and arrived back in Lancaster on Tuesday morning. The long journey gave me time to reflect on the trip. Without exception, the Chinese people we met were warm, welcoming and proud to show us the best of their wonderful country. The landscape was unforgettable, the camaraderie was humbling. The support from the Skyline team – Simon, Russell, Puma, Victoria and Shobana – was excellent and our fundraising team have been great. A special mention for Helen, thanks for everything you’ve done over the past 12 months to keep us all focused and positive.
Just when we thought it was all over, our warm welcome back from the hospice team was great. Seeing all those friendly faces, waving flags and looking so pleased to see us return was another emotional moment. Thank you all for that.
As I write this in the middle of the night – the joy of jet lag! My memory foam mattress and a nice cup of tea seem ridiculously exotic – a long way from the army garrison accommodation. I’ll try to hang onto this feeling of gratitude for the simple things and I’m definitely going to keep walking.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us, financially and emotionally. Here’s to the next challenge in 2018…….!!
Click on the question mark to register your interest in Trek 2018!
At 9:30am this morning (Tuesday 27/9) the bus rolled into the St John’s Hospice car park holding within some tired but jubilant China Trekkers! A welcoming party of staff, volunteers, friends and family eagerly awaited their arrival. Music, waving flags, cheers and applause greeted them as they made their way off the bus. Everyone enjoyed a glass of fizz and some delicious pastries while they caught up with loved ones. On behalf of everyone at St John’s Hospice, thank you to the 31 trekkers and to the countless people who have generously donated to the cause raising a net profit of over £86,000, every penny of whcih will go towards helping patients and families in our North Lancs and South Lakes communities. Click on the photos below to view full size.
Before leaving China for the final time the group had arranged to visit a hospice in Beijing. Before leaving the UK Sue said, “There are still very strong emotional ties and heart-felt links between the people of Lancaster and Morecambe and the Chinese people following the terrible tragedy here in 2004 when 23 Chinese cockle pickers drowned in the perilous waters of The Bay,” explained Sue. “We wanted to develop firm community links with the Chinese during our trek as a mark of respect and a tribute to those who died in our district and felt this would be a strong way to do that.
Sue will update this blog about her experience at the Chinese hospice in the next day or two (once she has had a hot shower and a nap!) but see below a few photos from the visit Click on the photos below to view full size:-
The walk today was crowded, still beautiful, still steep, but not as serene as previous days. We walked to the last tower of our trip and our local guide, Puma, was waiting with bottles of Chinese champagne. It was an emotional moment as we reached the end. Many of us were walking in memory of lost loved ones so it was especially poignant and a few tears were shed. I cried with pride. 31 of us have walked together as a team – apparently very few groups do. We cajoled, consoled and encouraged one another every step of the way. The pictures say it all.
At the end of the walk we had the option to walk, cable car or toboggan down the mountain!! See the pictures below! Great fun. It was a sad moment when we left the wall. Before we left Mutianyu itself, we recreated our celebration photo so that Katie could join in too. She wasn’t allowed to come up to the wall today, even though the boys offered to carry her onto the cable car!
With a mixture of sadness and elation, we headed back towards Beijing, visiting a silk making factory on the way.
This is a fabulous country, full of contrasts. From rural simplicity at the beginning of the trip, to Beijing itself which is an assault on the senses – families riding rickshaws bearing three generations, to the ubiquitous “chains” Macdonald’s, KFC etc. to row after row of glass-fronted modern buildings that wouldn’t be out of place in any modern city.
Tonight’s supper was a Peking duck celebration. We had a short awards ceremony with medals given to notable people – you know who you are!!! We also wished happy birthday to Elspeth, our third birthday of the trip.
A lovely end to a final day’s trekking. Thanks to our guide, Simon ” this is my all day pace, don’t go past me”, Russell “does anyone need water?” from Skyline, Shebana, “come into my room, I don’t like the look of that” our doctor and Puma ” excuse me, excuse me, this way, this way” our supremely knowledgable guide. Thank you, you’ve all been amazing!!! Click on the photos below to view full size.
Today’s walk started with a short coach ride to East Jinshanling before a 45 minute climb up steps to join a hazy, humid wall. Today has been the hottest day so far. On the way up, we were reflecting on the fact that, less than a week ago, we had struggled with the first ascent we’d done. Today we were chatting and climbing quite comfortably ‐ perhaps we’re getting used to this trekking lark! Simon had warned us that, although this was a relatively short walk, just 5 hours, it was a series of unrelenting ascents and descents. He was quite correct, we scaled hill after hill ‐ just when we thought we’d reached the top, another slope was waiting round the corner. In the sweltering heat, the watchtowers were a welcome respite from the heat and dust. Again, a couple of enterprising locals climbed the mountain with us, trying to sell us silk purses and colourful chopsticks whilst we did our best to keep our spirits high on another tough stretch of the wall. You’ll see from some of the pictures how steep, rocky and challenging this section was. Towards the end of the walk, we were offered the chance to go down to the village by cable car ‐ nobody did. We walked down the mountain for the last 45 minutes; some of us with injuries and other illnesses but still stoical and determined to work as a team.
As we come towards the end of the trek ﴾last trekking day tomorrow﴿ I took a little time alone at the back of the group. I watched the team from a distance and reflected on how far we’ve come. This time last year, a few of us knew each other, but the vast majority of us were strangers. Today, as I watched people talking, laughing and supporting each other on that wall I can honestly say we’re a group of friends. From different backgrounds, a range of ages, 6 brave boys surrounded by a gaggle of girls! But we have all now got St John’s in common. Today, I saw our hospice values in action. Care for each other, compassion for those that needed it, collaboration because it’s a tough walk and we’ve all needed help from time to time, charity in the form of almost £100,000 raised for our wonderful hospice and, finally, celebration. This walk has been a celebration of all that is good in people ‐ their collective effort and commitment on behalf of the people who are the most vulnerable in our community. I’ve been proud to walk alongside them.
Off for dinner and a quiz now. I’m not looking forward to the “chopstick challenge” round………. Ps you’ll see from the pictures we’ve had an accident. I’m pleased to report that all is well and Katie is hoping for an upgrade on the long flight home!! She slipped on some shale on a really easy stretch – pure accident. She’s fine even though the hospital had no plaster or leg braces…. We’ve strapped her up with a walking pole and a bandage. Still smiling though, she’s a lovely girl and excited to have her photo on the blog! Click on the photos below to view full size.
What a emotional day! As I sit and write this blog, it’s hard to put into words what we’ve actually seen. Setting off from Gubeiko at 9am, we took a steep path to the wall to an un-restored section with stupendous views. We were heading for Jinshanling about 8 miles away. 8 miles on the wall is a lot of climbing! There was a section where the army have closed the wall so we headed across agricultural land for about 3 miles and what a treat was in store! In the middle of absolutely nowhere, an entrepreneurial woman was selling Snickers and Sprite in a field!! We bought everything and she seemed delighted with her day’s work. At the same time, a gang of Chinese farmers came past us with their tools on their backs and trees to be planted in handmade wicker baskets – what a privilege to see them on their way to work with their mules in tow. We then traversed a heady, steep ridge for another couple of miles before we stopped for our packed lunch in the garden of a local lady who also happened to have a vending machine selling Snicker bars! Packed lunches in China are interesting – they involve a lot of boiled eggs…….
After lunch, we headed off through fields of corn and sunflowers before another extremely steep climb to the wall. Just when you think the views can’t get any better, the Great Wall surprises you. The section down to Jinshanling was breathtaking, we had a few tears of joy in the way over the next few hills – look at the pictures although they can never do it justice. It was uneven, steep and vertiginous though so we saved our mandatory group “selfie” until we descended to the Jinshanling “Muriel” – we are very Northern after all! We walked off the wall, down to a village where we visited a superbly talented paper cutter. This is a traditional art that is dying out, he told us he is the last in his family to follow the tradition so the souvenirs we bought were especially poignant and very, very beautiful. Elspeth is getting married next May, so he made her a beautiful “double happiness” symbol which is traditionally displayed in the house window before the wedding. Our day ended with dinner in a restaurant at the foot of the wall. Tired feet, some tears of joy but a unanimous opinion that today has been the hardest and best day of the trip so far. Click on the photos below to view full size.
Today we woke up in the mountain village after a night of incredible hospitality with our Chinese hosts – they were so welcoming! They were keen to share some of their local “firewater” with us; those who politely declined had an easier ascent up the first mountain this morning…..
We climbed steeply out of the village, through beautiful, agricultural land full of familiar looking crops and trees, it’s interesting that so much of the vegetation is the same as at home. We reached a perilously high viewing point perched at the edge of an dilapidated part of the wall – see our group selfie! We were all rather impressed with ourselves after yesterday’s tough trek, our legs were certainly feeling it. Our self-congratulation was short-lived as a Chinese family on a day trip skipped up the hill behind us in their summer clothes and sandals!! However, 5 minutes later, the weather changed and it started to rain. Suddenly, our British weather outdoor gear and waterproofs no longer seemed ridiculous. The next section was very tough. Again, those of us with a fear of heights definitely had a challenge. Group camaraderie and Rescue Remedy pastilles got us to the bottom of a tricky, wet and slippery walk. One last meal in the mountain village with a very warm goodbye from our incredible hosts and we were off to our next stop at Simatai Water Village 2 and a half hours away. It’s an interesting place, a complete re-creation of an ancient Southern Chinese water town – think Beamish or Quarry Bank Mill.
We went to a village for dinner, to the home of a superbly hospitable family. It was too cold to sit outside – Autumn has arrived suddenly here – so they had cleared their house and set our tables in their home. The food was delicious and they were fantastic hosts. Laura and Gill were celebrating their birthdays and, rather than a birthday cake, they were presented with a speciality noodle dish with one extra long noodle to represent long life.
After dinner we headed to the only part of the wall that’s lit at night. A truly magical glimpse at what’s ahead tomorrow – a tough 8 hour trek from Gubeiko to Junshanling. Off to bed now before our early start. Spirits are high, but legs are very tired. Click on the photos below to view full size.
We knew today would be tough; “Heaven’s Ladder” is what we’ve all been dreading! We set off from the army garrison at 8.30 and started up the steps. More than you can imagine! By 10am we were at the foot of “Heaven’s Ladder”, 200 huge steps to take us to the top of today’s first mountain. It was really hard, but really rewarding to get to the top. Once there, we took a picture with the angels our fab volunteer, Glenda, had bought us to help another great cause, Tia Taggert’s “Jet Set Angels”. Tia, a 7 year old cancer patient from Lancashire, was on Granada reports a couple of weeks ago. She has been busy making Angels for people to take all over the world to support her fundraising. Glenda came to see me last week, with an angel for each member of Hospice staff and each volunteer. She asked me to take a picture on the Great Wall. Here’s a picture of me, Caroline, Richard, Helen, Shirley, Sheila, Phil and Elspeth proudly wearing our Angels! When we’re back, we’ll be in touch with Tia and her family.
After a brief stop we set off again through a really tough stretch for those of us with a fear of heights. Pictures are attached to show how beautiful the view was, I didn’t look once. We were so high and on a tiny vertiginous ledge. Lunch was bizarre! A picnic we’d brought from the garrison, eaten in a clearing with a solar powered loo and a vending machine selling chicken feet – a local delicacy we understand. After lunch, we had a choice of an easy or challenging route home. Most of us took the challenge, which meant a 3 hour scramble along dilapidated parts of the wall. Fabulous views, amazing company all led us to a charming village in the middle of nowhere where we are staying with a local family in their hostel. Just had an amazing meal, now off to sit by the fire with the rest of the group. We’re all feeling the effects of the wall this evening. More tomorrow, wifi permitting! Click on the photos below to view full size.
Left Beijing at 8.30, 3 hour journey to the wall. Rush hour in Beijing – our first experience of Beijing culture! It’s the first day of Autumn here so the weather is cooler – apparently, last week was sweltering so we timed it well. Our local guide, Puma, gave us lots of information about China, communism and culture on the way. It’s fascinating watching people and children on their way to work. There really are 9 million bicycles in Beijing!!!
After settling into our army garrison accommodation, complete with Daoist maze and peaceful garden of contemplation we went to a short talk about the wall’s 2500 year history. We learned that the wall is a “machine to regulate the rhythm of the transfer of the Mandate of Heaven” basically, whoever controls the wall, controls the land.
Then we set off! It was a tough, warm walk. Lots of steps but some truly unforgettable, amazing views. We celebrated with a cold drink in the garden before heading off for a delicious meal in a local restaurant. Ended the night sitting round the campfire contemplating tomorrow. Double the distance with the ominous “heaven’s ladder” to ascend. More blog if the wifi holds out. Staying in a remote, mountain village tomorrow so fingers crossed. Click on the photos below to view full size.
St John’s Hospice operates shops in Lancaster, Morecambe, Kendal and Garstang. Our shops help raise vital income for the charity but also raise awareness of the Hospice in the local community. Our shops include furniture shops, charity shops selling clothing, accessories, books, bric-a-brac and much more and pound shops selling a great selection of bargains. We also have a warehouse where donations are sorted and then distributed to all our shops.
To make this operation work, St John’s Hospice relies on the generosity, hard work and commitment of an amazing team of volunteers from across the community.
We need shops volunteers now more than ever. The impact of the coronavirus continues to be felt at St John’s Hospice. Our shops provide vital income to ensure our work can continue. Volunteers in our shops help make this happen as we reopen our shops after lock-down.
Some of our shops are now open at the weekends, and we especially need volunteers for our shops in Morecambe at the weekends, although all volunteers are welcome!
See Sue McGraw, CEO of St John’s Hospice spend a day volunteering in our Arndale £1 Shop in September 2021
We need volunteers in all areas of our shops team. In our shops you can help to help sort, display and ticket stock, process Gift Aid, operate the tills (18+) and provide great customer service. In our warehouse we need team members to help sorting donations, recycling or even helping on one of our vans delivering and collecting furniture.
In return, you can improve your CV, make friends, help build your community and get a great sense of achievement knowing every minute you volunteer is helping us to be there for patients who really need us.
Till assistant
Role includes:
Making customers feel welcome
Serving customers on the till
Handling cash and card payments
Ensuring items are processed accurately through the till, including Gift Aid
Customer service – shop floor
Role includes:
Making customers feel welcome
Helping customers with queries on the shop floor
Helping to keep the shop floor area tidy and stocked
Customer service – donations
Role includes:
Making customers feel welcome
Receiving donations from customers
Promoting Gift Aid
Sorting stock into the correct pens in the sorting area
Stockroom assistant
Role includes:
Sorting saleable stock and recycling
Preparing stock for sale by hanging, sizing and labelling items
Pricing garments at their full value so as to maximise income
Sourcing items that could sell for a higher value somewhere else, e.g. online/auction
Regularly rotating stock to maximise sales
Merchandising
Role includes:
Using creativity to support the shop team with keeping window and shop displays relevant and interesting to engage customers and promote sales and Hospice events
Helping ensure standards in the shop remain high
Book specialist
Role includes:
Keeping books fully stocked with a variety for all customers
Sorting donated books
Scanning books that cannot be sold
Identifying rare and collectable books
Electrical specialist
Role includes:
Keeping the electrical area well stocked by replenishing items and creating displays
Ensuring items are presented well e.g. clean and clearly priced
Identifying unusual items for sale online
Fashion accessories specialist
Role includes:
Creating well stocked and attractive displays
Sorting donated items
Identifying higher value items for sale online
Includes bags, shoes, belts and jewellery
Homewares specialist
Role includes:
Keeping homeware fully stocked and displaying item attractively
Sorting and cleaning donated homeware
Identifying unusual items for sale online
Music and entertainment specialist
Role includes:
Keeping music and entertainment fully stocked and well organised
Sorting donated items
Identifying unusual or collectable items for sale online, or pricing for sale in the shops
Housekeeping
Role includes:
Helping to keep our shop floor and back of house areas at a high standard
Tasks may include: vacuuming, dusting and window cleaning (internal)
Steaming
Role includes:
Steaming clothes to ensure items looks their best before sale
Furniture assembly
Role includes:
Assembling and disassembling furniture items for display and delivery to customers
Carrying out minor repairs (if comfortable)
Furniture handling
Role includes:
Supporting the preparation of furniture for delivery
Arranging donated items on the shop floor
Driver
Role includes:
Moving stock around our network of shops
Full UK driving license required. Manual handling and driver awareness training required (will be provided)
Must complete 6 months as a driver’s buddy before becoming a driving volunteer
Driver’s buddy
Role includes:
Supporting our drivers moving stock around our network of shops
Manual handling training required (will be provided)
Maintenance
Role includes:
Supporting minor maintenance within the shops
Manual handling and diver awareness training required (will be provided)
Upcycling
Role includes:
Using your creative skills to give donated items a second life
Online lister – eBay
Role includes:
Researching items values
Listing goods for sale on eBay
Writing detailed and informative descriptions of items including condition
Helping to upload photos
Online lister – Depop
Role includes:
Researching items values
Listing goods for sale on Depop
Writing detailed and informative descriptions of items including condition
Helping to upload photos
Online sales champion
Role includes:
Identifying items that would appeal to an online buyer
Looking out for unusual or quirky items that may sell well online
Searching online to find the current market value of items so we can get the best price
Online researcher
Role includes:
Searching online to find the current market value of items so we can get the best price
Identifying if items are worth selling online
Photographer
Role includes:
Taking photographs of items including clothing, homewares, collectables and many more
Posting and packing assistant
Role includes:
Helping to package items sold online
Ensuring the correct address information is attached
Limiting the risk of damage where possible
Social media assistant
Role includes:
Visiting our network of shops to take photos and gather content that can be used on our social media platforms
