Challenging my resolve in the Borneo jungle
I’ve often thought I should do something meaningful for charity; something that requires a bit of effort on my part – like all those generous people who run marathons for a good cause. So this year I’ve decided to bite the bullet and embark on a fundraising challenge in aid of Willen Hospice (trekking through the jungle in Borneo; more on this at the end).
I aim to raise £4,000 by September 2019, but being a typical guy I have left things to the last minute so would appreciate any help you can give in the time remaining!!
Why Willen Hospice?
Well, I lost a friend of mine to cancer earlier this year. He spent the last few weeks of his life in hospice care so I saw at first hand just how valuable the support is that they provide to friends and family as well as to the patients themselves. The people who looked after my friend really do care and it will be the same story in other hospices up and down the country.
What really focused me on Willen is the huge fundraising task they face every single year. Their services are free of charge, which means they need to raise almost £5 million each year to continue helping people in the local community. I saw something on another supporter’s fundraising page that put it into stark context for me…
How much does it cost Willen Hospice to provide the help they give?
10 seconds – £1.50
1 minute – £9
2 minutes – £18
5 minutes – £45
10 minutes – £90
60 minutes – £540
So as I say, I have signed up to a fundraising challenge in aid of the hospice. In October, for 6 days, I will be slogging through the jungle in Borneo with 18 other people in 85% humidity, sleeping on the floor, getting rained on most days, bitten by a whole host of critters no doubt, eating goodness knows what, and toileting in holes in the ground, in an effort to do my bit.
I have a lot of training to do between now and then as it’s a 6 day journey, trekking for several hours each day. I will be carrying my own kit through overgrown jungle, up steep ascents and down long descents. Apparently we will sleep on the floor in jungle clearings or in local villages. I am trying to find out if I will still be able to watch ‘Match of the Day’ but I’m not holding my breath to be honest. Showers are non-existent so I have to take a pack of baby wipes (!); either that or find a stream somewhere. I’ve alluded to the toilet arrangements, so best say no more about that, except that we have to take nappy bags to carry our used toilet paper (best walk upwind of me then, people!).
Anyway, I’ve written enough and you have probably got better things to do. So I will close by saying that I should be most grateful if you would help me reach my target by donating whatever you can manage. Please follow this link to go to my donation page.
For more information about Willen Hospice, please follow this link.
Thanks very much indeed!
Russell Snowdon