Trekkers raise £20,000 for Autism Jersey

Saturday 07 October 2017

Thirteen trekkers have climbed Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167m, to raise £20,000 for Autism Jersey

The group, who trekked for up to ten hours a day for three days over rough terrain, loose scree, large boulders and steep slopes, have said it was the toughest thing they have ever done.

The trek, sponsored by Ocorian, was organised by Charity Challenge, who categorise it as 'tough.' According to the group, the trek lived up its reputation. Caroline Moody, Autism Jersey Fundraising and Marketing Manager, and one of the brave trekkers, said: "The trek was tougher than I think any of us expected. On summit day we got up at 4.30 am and started the steep climb in the dark. We all had to dig deep in our inner reserves to reach the summit, but it was worth it, and we all had the most tremendous feeling of achievement when we finished. Some trekkers said that it was a tougher climb than Kilimanjaro."

If the climb was quite an ordeal, the descent wasn't exactly a pleasure cruise either. Ms Moody explained that the group slipped and skidded down steep slopes, and could't believe they had been able to climb them. The temperature difference was also a bit of a shock, the group started with 37degrees in Marrakech and finished on a "wind chill of minus 7 at the summit." Accommodation was also basic as the trekkers had to stay in one shared dormitory for two nights at Les Mouflons mountain refuge. 

As difficult as the trek was, the group also enjoyed pleasing moments such as an unexpected fruity feast on the way up. Ms Moody said: "On the third day, as we neared the end of the trek, just before heading back into the village of Imlil, we stopped and had lunch. Seemingly out of nowhere, our back-up crew had laid out rugs and cushions in the shade of a walnut tree, and they served a feast of fresh salads, juicy peaches and mint tea.

"I think it's fair to say that lifetime friendships have been made, thanks to team work and a lot of humour. Some trekkers buddied up to help those at the back or those who suffered from some altitude sickness."

The thirteen intrepid trekkers - Helen and Richard Miles, Caroline Moody, Jackie Marsh, Natalie Cook, Allyson Bisson, Laura Hardwick, Daniel Parkes, Fiona Sawyer, Jessica Healy, Brian Godfray, Katie Bridal and Steve Wilkinson - were accompanied by a guide, Samir Achahri, and medic, Dr Donna Peel. They were all rewarded with a rest day in Marrakech before returning home and the satisfaction of having raised £20,000 for Autism Jersey.