Organisers of a 30-mile ‘Dusk Till Dawn’ charity trek around Poole Harbour have described the event as a huge success.
More than 250 people from all over the world took part in the weekend hike, notching up 17.5 million steps.
They walked through the night, on a route marked by glow sticks, to raise vital funds for the Nimsdai Foundation charity and its Project Odyssey mission, helping veterans through rehabilitative climbing experiences.
The charity was founded by UKSF veteran and mountaineer Nimsdai ‘Nims’ Purja, and works globally, and especially in Nepal and Pakistan.
During the hike, trekkers did a ‘Big Poole Harbour Clean Up’ – picking litter as they went.
Among those taking part were the Russell-Smith Family – John, Martina, Ben, 12, and William, ten.
They’re preparing to trek Nepal next month, visiting Everest and Lhotse Base Camps as part of their mission to visit all 14 of the highest base camps in the world whilst raising money for the Nimsdai Foundation’s scholarships for Nepali children.
Also taking part was on-call firefighter Rhys Fitzgerald, 28, from Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire.
Next spring he’s aiming to be the first person to summit Everest wearing his full firefighting kit over the top of his regular mountaineering gear and summit suit.
Other trekkers included explorer Jay Morton and TJ Gurung – the youngest British male to climb all of the 14 highest peaks in the world.
Glen Mallen, Executive Director of the Nimsdai Foundation, said: “This event has exceeded our expectations in every way.
“I am so grateful to the small army of volunteers who gave up their evening to make this wonderful event a success – ensuring the routes were safe and putting up and tidying away the feed stations.
“We are so grateful to all our hikers for their enthusiasm and generosity.”
Sponsoring the event were a host of local and national businesses including Bravery, Ineos Grenadier (support vehicles,) Elite Exped, Mad River Design, Clearwater Dynamics, Power Boat Training UK, Greys Estate Agents, It’s Going To Get Hairy, Glowtopia, NJC Auto Marine, Precision Hydration and the Gurkhas.
- Find out more about the work of the Nimsdai Foundation and donate at nimsdaifoundation.org