Coordinator goes trekking!
Monday, 02 November, 2009
An emergency operations centre coordinator took on a trip of a lifetime recently when she completed on a ten day trek through an untouched region of Peru.
Gemma Bolland was asked to take part in the charity trek on behalf of Henlow Grange health resort where her friends and family work. There aim was to raise 3,000 pound each for the charities Silver Star and The Variety Club.
Gemma said: "The trek took us through an area which has never been walked before. Our team comprised of sixteen people and most of the time we were on our own. We did make occasional contact with the Inca's, the local villagers who live in the depths of the Puruvian jungle."
Gemma added: "The trek was extremley hard, both physicly and mentally as we were walking over rough terrains for almost 11 hours a day. Our group had a qualified doctor with us at all times which was reassuring when we were suffering the effects of the altitude. Our leader throughout the trek was Max Milligan, who has previously worked for the national geographic channel and has a wealth of knowledge in this area. Max took us to see the Inca ruins near Macchu Picchu and the sights were amazing, breath taking."
Gemma took some of the trusts new pens, pencil and crayons along to give to the children, which went down a storm with the village. Bedford EOC general manager Carl Denton said: "First and foremost, the trust and all Gemma's colleagues within our department are very proud indeed that she took on this trek and so far she has raised £2,200 for the charity.
