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So you want to take part in a Charity
Trek? |
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It is a common denominator amongst our age group these days that we are far more active than our predeccessors used to be and we have a lot more time on our hands. This often results in many of us thinking about raising money for charity in some sort of sponsored event. This
could be a marathon or some such activity but more and more of us are
deciding to tackle something more challenging
such as cycling across the Sahara or walking along the Great Wall
of China. These options give us two benefits, we see places of the world we would never otherwise be likely to visit and the spectacular location helps us to raise more money for a chosen charity. The
basic idea is that you take part in a difficult challenge and in
return your friends, family and colleagues sponsor you. There is no
need to set about organising this yourself as specilaist companies now
exist to help you do this and choose a specific location. However
there are several factors you should consider before you even think
about signing up. Most charities will ask you to raise a minimum amount
of funds to take part so
they can cover their costs plus they will probably ask you to pay a
registration fee up front to help balance their administration costs. So
do check you’ve got the funds to do this before you start. In fact if
you can’t raise this minimum amount you may well not be allowed to
take part but there is a
great deal of advice and help available from the charities and companies
to help you with this. You want to enjoy the surroundings you’re going to, not lie on your back in a hospital staring at the ceiling because you haven’t trained enough. Do get into a training regime at least three months before you go. Wear
the shoes you will be wearing on your trip and if you are cycling build
up the muscles in your bum otherwise the saddle will do for you big
style!! Try also to get your diet right before you go so your body is
prepared for the physical strain you are going to throw at it. Once
again the charities and companies will have help and advice for you
here. 0870
333 6633 www.doitforcharity.com 01460
30456 www.acrossthedivide.com 020
76190066 www.classictours.co.uk/Charities 020
8557 0000
www.charitychallenge.com/contact.jsp
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Make sure your boots are worn in before you go!! The
fundraising before you go can be just as exhausting as the trip itself
but by being imaginative and planning ahead, this aspect can be as
rewarding and enjoyable as the expedition itself. Don’t try and do
everything yourself. It’s amazing by having a team of people to help
you how many other doors can open and how much more money you can
potentially raise for your chosen charity. You
will also need to ensure you have the correct kit. It may sound
melodramatic but quite simply the correct gear can make the difference
between having a great time and simply trying to survive.
Once again charities and companies can give you advice here,
especially if you are cycling. Quite often you will be supplied with
specialist kit but a bit of common sense can save you a great deal of
discomfort and pain plus embarrassment.
The main thing to remember is that before you commit yourself to a charity trek or cycle ride study in minute detail the websites of the companies that can help you organize your trip. Things such as visas, insurance, legal obligations etc not to mention the fact that you will need to spend months training and fundraising, before taking part in what could be a demanding physical challenge. Get it right however and the rewards are immense.
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