Published: Sunday, 14th March, 2010 9:00am

Star trekkers take a big hike for wonderful cause

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WITH their boots firmly laced and walking poles at the ready nurses and staff from Thames Hospicecare are calling on adventurers to join them for a brand new fundraising event.

The hospice in Hatch Lane joined forces with Windsor based Nepalese restaurant Gurkha Palace last week to launch the 2011 Siklis Nepal Trek.

The trek will take place over 10 days in March next year and the hospice is looking for trekkers to take part.

Co-owner of the restaurant in Church Lane, which has raised £800 for the hospice, Krishna Gurung said: "Nepal is a beautiful country, rich in stunning scenery. Anyone that goes to my home country is going to be met with great hospitality and have a trip they won't forget.

"But it's not just the trekkers who are going to benefit from the trek, by signing up and taking part they're going to be helping local families who need the care and support of our local hospice."

The trek will pass through Siklis, which is one of a number of villages scattered among the foothills and valleys of the ranges that lie south of the Annapurnas mountains. The route will follow quiet forest trails leading to a climb along ridges that offer uninterrupted views of the Annapurnas range. At the end of the trek a day will be spent in the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara before flying to Kathmandu, where there is a further day to shop and explore.

So far 18 people have signed up including governance manager at the hospice, Karen Carline from Old Windsor

She said: "I can't wait. Nepal is meant to be so captivating and amazing. The trek will be a personal challenge too and that's what makes it special, you're actually doing something that stretches you and will hopefully be a real achievement."

The trip will cost £1,775 and entrants will be expected to raise an additional £1,000 sponsorship.

Community & events fundraiser Anne-Marie Rogers said: "There are loads of ways that you can raise sponsorship for the trip and with this bespoke trek you will not be alone."

To register call Anne-Marie Rogers on 01753 848944 or email anne-marie.rogers@thameshospicecare.org.uk