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Kala Patthar Challenge

Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre will be taking a group of young people on an international expedition to Nepal in October 2016.

The expedition will trek from Lukla to Kala Patthar on an epic journey reaching 5,555 metres. The group of twelve 15 to 18 year olds will spend 22 days from October to November 2016 walking in the Everest Valley. During the trek they will learn about the region, its people and the environment.

We have also established a link with Monjo Primary School in the Himalayan village of Monjo.  The group members and Centre staff will complete a community project there to develop the playground and PE facilities.  The children will also receive school equipment to enhance learning and clothing to keep warm in the cold mountainous conditions making it easier for them to focus on their lessons.

The young people on the challenge will have an adventure of a lifetime , most definitely have a life changing experience and then be in a position to inspire others. On return from the expedition they will visit local schools and present the project to other young people.

The overall fundraising target for the Kala Patthar Challenge was £27,000. To date with our Virgin Money Giving page, individual and team fundraising and assistance from independent funders and groups we have so far raised £25,500.  This is an amazing achievement and we are truly grateful to those who have supported us so far.  Our final push in the next three weeks will be to achieve our overall target of £27,000.

There are many individual success stories with the fundraising that we have done so far. The young people going on the expedition should be congratulated for their individual fundraising successes,  some of them have raised more than double their target, with one young person raising over £1,000 compared to the £360 target set.  Kala Patthar group events also raised over £2,000, with a great Quiz Night and fantastic Salsa Evening organised by the parents and the London Kayakathon, where some of the young people took part in a marathon distance paddle on the River Thames.  There have also been great individual projects which have helped us towards our target.  One of these is the Bench Blisters Rowing Team, made up from London magistrates, who participated in the 2015 Great River Race, raising £10,400.

If you would like to support the team please come along to one of our fundraising events, details will be listed on the website, or you can make a donation via our fundraising page at

www.virginmoneygiving.com/kala-patthar-challenge