Rajasthan Reflections 

Trek Rajasthan 12 – 21st February 2006

In February 2006, a group of four intrepid supporters trekked across some of India's most mystical and challenging landscapes, raising an incredible £15 000 for FSID.

The group hailed it a trip of a lifetime. Read about their sensational experiences here in the words of two of the trekkers -  Anne Manger and Ann-Maria Loughman. They explain their motivations, how they fundraised and their experiences on the trip itself.

Anne Manger was trekking in memory of her daughter Lucy, who would have been 30 that year, and Ann-Maria Loughman participated in honour of her son Damien, who would have been 21.

In the words of Anne Manger:

I did the Rajasthan challenge in order that the life of my baby daughter could be commemorated on what should have been her 30th birthday, and that her oh-so-short life was not in vain.

It was an overwhelmingly positive experience; possibly partly due to the magic of Rajasthan and the whole aura of India; partly due to the eclectic mix of others on the group, and certainly due to the sheer professionalism of the trekking company's expertise. In addition, our Rajasthani guides were informed and knowledgeable as well as being extremely well-connected with the local communities.

Walking in searing heat and meeting up with some of the poorest of the poor - who were also so gracious in their welcomes - was very very humbling. By the time one arrived at the Taj Mahal and had watched the sunrise over the mausoleum all of the emotions came spilling over. The enormity of what one had lost through the death of a child but also the strength gained through renewed purpose of life seemed to be reinforced in that moment.

One night with the tent flap held back by the breeze, lying snug in the camp bed looking up at a starry sky, having had the satisfaction of a good long day's hot and sweaty walking behind me, all seemed right with the world. I know that the song has drug overtones but I have always felt that 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' referred to my child amongst the stars.

As far as fundraising went, I settled on sending out an appeal letter which was very carefully put together. Each letter sent out was accompanied by an information leaflet about FSID, a formal sponsorship and tax reclaim form and a stamped addressed envelope. The latter we felt would ensure a certain response and, as I think we received virtually 99.9% support, it worked!
Anne Manger

 

In the words of Ann-Maria Loughman:

I took part in Rajasthan to commemorate what would have been my son's 21st birthday and also to see if I could do it because I had never done anything like it in my life.

I was very anxious before going about whether I had trained enough, how I would manage sleeping and about going to the toilet.

Although the trekking was at times tough, at no point did I want to give up or come home or felt that I wouldn't manage what we had to do. I had no sore legs, no blisters, no sunburn and no upset tummy and we were so well looked after by the camp team that it has set me some very high expectations for any future trek I might do!

I loved the contrasts in that place. The silence of the dessert to the bustle and noise of the towns, the blandness of the sand to the vibrancy of the women's clothes, the poverty of the rag pickers to the majestic opulence of the Maharaja's palaces and the beauty and intricacy of the stonework and decoration at the palaces, forts and Taj Mahal.

The fundraising was daunting at first because the first two events I tried did not raise their expected total.  However, after a major fundraising dance at which  I raised the required £2.5K it seemed easy!
 
I held a Diary Raffle: took a diary and sold dates for two pounds each (only one person per date) and had a draw for the winning date. The person with the winning date had a night out to the value of £150. I also got a local cub and scout group that I have connections with to do a sponsored swim, and we held a dance with a raffle and auction. Finally I sent out a begging note with my Christmas cards.

Because I had very personal reasons for undertaking this challenge it was a real emotional journey, taking a full year from deciding to do it to starting the training to raising the funds to collecting the money. I was proud of myself for completing the whole challenge and was very humbled by the support I received from people around me with their encouragement, good wishes and financial support.
Ann-Maria Loughman

FSID would like to extend thanks to all those who took part in the Rajasthan trek to make it a success.

Do you think you are ready to take the trip of a lifetime for FSID? If so, click here now to see what is on offer!

 

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