trek to india for £99

Does that sound too good to be true? Well it isn't...but there is a catch...

Millions of people set boring New Year’s resolutions every January, only to drop them by the middle of the month feeling disillusioned and disappointed that they haven’t achieved what they initially set out to do.

Pledging to lose weight (yawn) and ditch the booze (boring) are always popular choices, but in 2008 Help the Aged is offering people the opportunity to break the mould and set a long term goal to trek across India, helping to raise vital funds for disadvantaged older people at the same time. Help the Aged fights to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation and neglect.

It also campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change. The charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work.  Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life

Taking place between 18 – 27 October 2008, Trek India offers participants a real challenge with tangible benefits, including the chance to discover a ‘hidden’ India away from the beaten tourist track and a visit to a Help the Aged funded project in the slums of bustling Delhi.

This promises to be an absolutely exhilarating 11-day trek, which will take you through one of the world's most breathtaking mountain ranges: the Indian Himalayas. You will discover the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, walk along a glacier, visit the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala and sleep under the stars in lush meadows.

On the final day, the trek will visit one of HelpAge India's most important projects in Dehli, a Mobile Medicare Unit (MMU), where you will have the chance to see why your contribution from Trek India is so vital.

‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ survivor and Help the Aged trek ambassador Christine Hamilton said:

“Some will have seen me grapple with bugs, spiders, snakes and all manner of challenges in the Australian jungle during ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’.   It was pretty tough at times but I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life.  Trek India is a must for anyone with a sense of adventure who is looking for a personal challenge.”

With places already filling up fast, the charity is offering a reduced registration fee of just £99 for a limited period only.  The Trek is open to anyone over the age of 18 and participants will need to commit to raising £2,800 in sponsorship money.

Help the Aged will be with you every step of the way, providing a fundraising pack, training tips, advice and inspiration.  For further information on Trek India, contact the Help the Aged Events Team on 0207 239 1922, e-mail events@helptheaged.org.uk or visit Events