Feline adventurous? Take part in the Indian Himalayan trek and Tiger Conservation Experience
17 January 2016
Cats Protection is calling on animal lovers and adventure-seekers to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime challenge in India, with all sponsorship going towards helping unwanted felines in the charity's care.
The challenge, taking place from 7th-19th October 2017, includes a challenging four-day trek across the Lesser Himalayan Range – trekking for up to 14km (8-9 hours) a day and camping in the wilderness – plus three days at the Kanha National Park learning about and taking part in a range of activities and conservation work, especially for tigers.
All funds raised will help domestic cats in the UK, as Cats Protection helps over 205,000 cats and kittens per year through its national network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres.
First to sign up for the challenge was Kelly Eyre, 27, from Flintshire in Wales. Kelly worked as a Cat Care Assistant at Cats Protection’s Wrexham Adoption Centre for three years before studying to become a vet nurse.
She now works at the vet practice that looks after the cats in the centre’s care and has since adopted a couple of unwanted moggies of her own, called Jelly and Smokey.
As well as raising much-needed funds, Kelly hopes that training for her Indian adventure will help her to shed a few pounds and improve her fitness.
“Anybody who knows me will know full well that I DO NOT like walking up hills or any slight incline, and I can't even make it to the top of Moel Famau!" said Kelly. (Moel Famau is the highest hill in the nearby Flintshire Range.)
“It’s about time I challenged myself and, when this opportunity arose, I thought it was the ideal thing to inspire me to get fit while raising money for Cats Protection at the same time.
“Having worked at the Wrexham Centre I know full well how hard the staff and volunteers work to help cats in need and it will be really nice to give them a much-needed boost.”
Suzan Kennedy, Cats Protection’s Wrexham Adoption Centre Manager, is delighted that Kelly is taking part in the challenge on the centre’s behalf.
“We’re so grateful to Kelly for all she’s doing to raise funds for us. This will go a long way towards helping the 300 or so cats that we look after here each year,” she said. “We wish her all the best with her training.”
Having got engaged at Christmas, Kelly is even more motivated and has launched head-first into her training regime. She has made climbing Moel Famau her first training goal, as she says she’s never been to the top and wants to take in the spectacular view.
Kelly will be updating her Facebook page with her progress. To follow her journey, visit www.facebook.com/kellysgonemad and to help her reach her fundraising target please go to www.justgiving.com/Kelly-Eyre1/ or text KJE288 £2 to 70070.
“This is a golden opportunity for cat lovers to get close to big cats in India, while raising vital funds to help little cats back home,” says Cats Protection’s Fundraising Events Manager, Rebecca Worth, who is promoting the trip. “It promises to be the trip of a lifetime - challenging, fun and incredibly rewarding.”
“We are hoping to sign people up as early as possible so that they have plenty of time to meet the required fundraising target and we will support them with hints, tips and ideas. Anyone of average fitness can take part, with a little preparation, so we’d love anyone who’s interested to sign up today, get fundraising, and show big and little cats just how much they care!”
For further details please email Rebecca.worth@cats.org.uk or visit www.cats.org.uk/events.