A group of intrepid trekkers have raised an incredible £150,000 for Norwood following a trip of a lifetime to the Sahara Desert. The 37 fundraisers braved sandstorms, the searing heat of the midday sun and freezing nights as they walked 80km from Cheggaga Dunes to Mahamid during the four day challenge.
The funds raised will go towards the Willesden-based Hope Centre, a Norwood service for children and young people with a range of educational needs. Using a variety of learning techniques, including a methodology pioneered by Professor Reuven Feuerstein, its teachers and therapists help children and young people aged between three and 19 to develop their thinking skills and give them the tools to become confident and independent learners. Hope also provides training courses for teaching staff and parents.
Veteran trekker Ian Fagelson, a Norwood Trustee whose son Jonathan benefited from vital services provided at the Hope Centre, was joined by five colleagues from law firm Reed Smith. He said: “The Sahara Trek was an amazing adventure and an incredible success. Participants came from all over the world and we had a good balance of age and gender. For the first time on a trek, we were also joined by one of the adults with learning disabilities supported by Norwood at Ravenswood, Julian Primhak.
He added: “The scenery was stunning and there was a great sense of camaraderie among the group. I hope that we will be able to organise an even bigger trek next year.”
Ian Tate, Norwood’s Business Development Manager for Challenges, said: “The Sahara Desert is one of the most hostile environments on Earth, and I would like to congratulate the group on their considerable physical achievement, and their incredible fundraising effort, which will make a great difference to the lives of so many families.
“The work carried out by Norwood at the Hope Centre and our many other life-changing services is only possible through the generosity of our supporters, so I would urge anyone interested in setting themselves a challenge this year to sign up to one of the many events we have organised to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our sporting fundraising programme.”
2012 Norwood Challenges Calendar
| London Marathon |
22 April |
| The YN Sicilian Challenge | 2-7 May |
| Croatia Challenge | 9-14 May |
| 10 Bridges Walk | 13 May |
| Community Fun Run May | 20 May |
| Junior Bike Ride, Toddlerthon & Fun Day | 10 Jun |
| Capital to Coast Bike Ride | 1 July |
| Royal Parks Half Marathon | 7 October |
| Sri Lanka International Ride | 13-22/20-29 October |
| Israel Bike Ride | 3-11 November |
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| For more information and to book your place, visit:
www.norwood.org.uk/challenges | |
