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Page 1 of 2 Lots of us are signing up to hike or cycle to raise money for charity. Gillian Thomas explains the practicalities behind a life-enriching experience.
"Up for the challenge" took on a new significance for me when I trekked the mountainous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. "Up" it certainly was, involving a climb over Dead Woman's Pass to the dizzy height - literally - of 4,200 metres. Even more challenging, however, had been the requirement to raise at least £2,600 for the Alzheimer's Society as the trip was a group 'charity challenge'. Over 50 of us took part, aged from 20 to 70. Most, like me, were on their own, but there were also a few couples.  For charities, challenges like this are an increasingly popular way of raising money. As well as trekking, they can involve cycling, canoeing and various other adventurous activities. One of the aims is to attract people, particularly younger ones, who may not previously have had any connection with the charity. Another is to raise not only money but also awareness of what it does.Last year over £50,000 was raised for the WI's Denman College when 34 cyclists signed up to cycle across Cuba, one of the places first featured in these kinds of holidays. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which involved me in four days' trekking at high altitude and three nights' camping in near-freezing temperatures, is also one of the most popular. Now the options are getting more alluring every year, like cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia or beside the Nile and trekking in the Indian Himalayas or along the Great Wall of China. But there are less far-flung and shorter challenges too, such as cycling to Paris or along the route of the Tour de France or walking the Great Glen Way across Scotland. Before you set offThe challenge trips are organised on behalf of the charities, either for just one or several together, by travel companies who specialise in them. After paying a non-returnable registration fee, typically around £300 for a long-haul trip, you have to commit yourself to raising and handing over a hefty minimum sum before you set off. Part of this is to cover the cost of the trip - flights, accommodation, food etc. Personally I decided to pay this amount myself so that everything I managed to raise would go directly to the Alzheimer's Society. Indeed, I stressed this whenever I asked people for money. Otherwise you lay yourself open to the suggestion that the real appeal of committing yourself to a challenge is to get yourself an exotic holiday paid for by your sponsors! The charities provide plenty of encouragement and tips, such as what to put in 'begging' letters, how to set up a system to receive email donations and ideas for fundraising events such as quizzes and car-boot sales. I helped to stage an old-time music hall to raise funds. With all the extra effort involved, there were times when I began to wonder why I hadn't simply opted for a 'normal' holiday instead. You need to be really committed to ask every friend and acquaintance for a contribution, as well as going to the trouble of organising a fundraising event. Participants also receive a comprehensive pack of information covering everything from what to wear to the travel arrangements. Health and insurance are serious considerations on this kind of trip, so we were also given a schedule for getting fit. Charities naturally want to avoid having casualties on their hands when the going gets tough, particularly when older participants are involved in a strenuous activity to which they are unaccustomed. Above a certain age, you will also be asked to supply a doctor's note. Questions answered
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