Ever thought about visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world while raising money for charity? A number of UK registered charities offer fundraising challenges overseas from cycling in Cuba to treks to Mount Sinai in Africa. Whatever your interests there is a challenge out there for you so why not push yourself to the limits and try something new; let the adventure begin.
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Mount Sinai Challenge (Marie Curie Cancer Care)
When: 24th-29th September 2009
Where: Mount Sinai, Egypt
Click here for more info
The Mount Sinai Challenge starts at the St Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai. It isn’t a trek for the faint hearted as it involves an upward climb to the summit at 2,285m. A full itinerary is available on the charities website which includes on day three of the trek, following Bedouin guides and the camel train along a steep and winding trail through a rocky gorge 2,285m to the summit. Participants must commit to a minimum sponsorship of £2,300 and there is an entry fee of £150. The package includes return flights, transfers, accommodation and meals, doctor and an experienced trek leader and crew to guide you through the challenge.
Trek the Three Volcanoes (National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS))
When: 24th- 29th September 2009
Where: Italy
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NDCS run a number of international challenges from cycles in China, South Africa and India to treks in Nepal and New Zealand. But this particular event takes in three of Italy’s volcanoes - beginning at Vesuvius in southern Italy with a five hour moderate trek with some uphill stages. Participants will then catch a boat ride to Catania and hydrofoil to Stromboli, which is followed by a tough, steep trek of around six hours to the summit of the volcano on this island. The challenge finishes on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Participants of this event must gain a minimum of £2,000 sponsorship and pay a £200 entry fee.
Land of the Incas (National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS))
When: 14th- 23rd May, 2009
Where: Machu Picchu, Peru
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This NDCS challenge is set on one of the top ten trekking trails in the world. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu includes a variety of terrains including cloud forest and the high desert plateau. Catching your first glimpse of the Lost City of Machu Picchu at sunrise on your final day will make all the hard work seem worthwhile. The high altitude can make this even more of a challenge, but the rewards of doing such a magnificent trek will never be forgotten. Participants of this event must gain a minimum of £2650 and event registration will cost £299.
Cuban revolution challenge ‘on your bike’ (Various charities through Charity Challenge)
When: 22nd October- 1st November, 2009
Where: Cuba
Click here for more info
Charity Challenge has worked with many of the UK’s largest charities including NSPCC and Barnardos and has risen over £15 million for the 750 charities that they support. They offer a wide range of challenges across the globe including volcano bike challenges and water challenges.
This six days of cycling begins in the Cuban capital of Havana and ends by the Caribbean Sea in the town of Trinidad. Two wheels are the best way to see this country as it is the preferred method of transport for most locals once you leave Havana. You will pass through small villages, fruit orchards and sugar plantations. You can even add a few days on the end to spend at the beach and rest your weary limbs. This event covers 350km coast to coast and has a full packed itinerary with most days involving 60km of cycling. The expedition costs £1878 plus a minimum sponsorship of £2850.
Thailand Jungle expedition (Various charities through Charity Challenge)
When: 9th- 19th July, 2009
Where: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
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The challenge will take participants through the beautiful but sometimes challenging jungles of Thailand with six days of trekking, rafting, kayaking and riding elephants through the forests and mountains of the Thung Yai Nareusan Wildlife Sanctuary. This really is an experience of a life time with one night of the challenge being spent in bamboo stilt houses in a tribal village. The expedition costs £1629 and there is a minimum sponsorship of £2675.
Sahara trek (Various charities through Do It For Charity)
When: 28th February- 8th March
Where: Sahara Desert
This Do It For Charity event is a fantastic challenge across the Sahara Desert including trekking amongst sand dunes and tamarisk trees. While on the trek you will have the experience of a lifetime as you sleep under the stars, camping in some truly unique spots. Participants must raise £2,000 for the children with aids charity and pay a £299 registration fee. The price includes flights and all internal travel, accommodation, all meals and expert guidance.
Women for Women cycle Jordan (Various charities through Action For Charity)
When: 3rd- 10th October, 2009 or 11th - 18th October 2009
Where: Jordan
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If you are keen to do a woman only challenge consider this cycle trip through the Dead Sea valley. You will be given the chance to visit the spectacular red rock city of Petra as well as cycling to Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea. Last year TV presenter Fern Britton took part and is set to join the challenge again this year. Participants will have to raise a minimum of £2,500 and a registration fee of £250 applies. All flights, food, accommodation, transfers, guides and use of the bikes is included.
Natalie Cooper, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine