Cumbrian teenagers hike to support Nepalese

Tom Usher and Ross Blakemore, both aged 16, and members of InglewoodExplorer Scout Unit in Dalston will be setting off to walk the Cumbria Way on The Cumbria Way is a 70 mile route through the heart of the Lake District National Park between the two historic Cumbrian towns of Ulverston and Carlisle.

They are doing the walk to raise funds for them selves and 8 other Explorer Scouts from across Cumbria are making an expedition to the Solu Khumbu Region of Nepal next April, with the charities Community Action Nepal, and Community Action Treks.

Tom Usher said, “The preparation and fundraising for the expedition, is just as valuable an experience as the visit the Nepal itself, providing us all with opportunities to further our skills in various areas.”

But they aren’t just going to trek – they’ll be taking part in various areas of project work whilst there, with the hope of gaining their Explorer Belt.

The Explorer Belt challenge is an international expedition to embrace a unique culture, make a difference in the local communities of Nepal, and complete several challenges along the way.

Ross explained. “We will be taking part in project work at a school, health centre and local village whilst in Nepal and will be totally self-reliant. As Scouts, we are always looking for new ways to challenge ourselves, and the Explorer Belt provides us with a great opportunity to do this.”

The group are organising various events to fundraise for the trip, from supermarket bag-packs, to a lecture by charity founder Doug Scott.

If you would like to make a donation towards the expedition, and sponsor Tom and Ross on their Cumbria Way walk, then please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/nepal2013