Little goes large: trekking the Canadian Rockies with Marie Curie
The Canadian Rockies: the defining geographical landmark of the vast North American nation, its majestic peaks stretching for 900 miles along the western coast. It’s an entirely different world to the Tyneside town of North Shields, one which Ian Little will be exploring in aid of Newcastle’s Marie Curie Hospice.
Commencing on the 13th of September 2015, Ian and his cohorts will set off from Calgary and make their way north, trekking for five of the nine action-packed days. Ian’s excitement ahead of the expedition is eclipsed only by his long-held passion for the charity, which provides specialist care and support for the terminally ill and their families – completely free of charge.
“I’m doing this because it’s such a good cause,” the financial planner explained. “It helps so many people in the later stages of their lives, as well as the families of the people attached to them. That, for me, is why I’m so fond of the organisation.”
He also has a deeply intimate reason to champion the Marie Curie cause, having witnessed, and benefited from, the charity’s stellar work first-hand. “I’ve had personal experience a few years ago when my mam died of ovarian cancer. She benefited hugely from the amazing and wonderful support of Marie Curie. The whole experience was extremely humbling.”
The trek represents not just a challenge for Ian, but a unique chance to experience a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity across the Atlantic. He sincerely hopes that other individuals and families at the Newcastle Hospice will benefit from the fulfilment of his lifelong dream.
“It’s the opportunity to go and walk across the Rockies, which is a place I really love. Because it’s something that I really want to do, I don’t think it’s fair that anybody who contributes to this pays for my trip. The total cost is £4250 with my registration fee, but I’ll be picking up the tab for the fee, as well as the £2095 for the cost of my trip. Therefore, any donations from anybody else via my JustGiving page will all be going direct to the Marie Curie charity.”
Katie Searles, Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie’s Newcastle Hospice, is already looking forward to the trip next Autumn.
“We are very excited about our next Hospice trek. It is a great way to see a stunning part of the world, trekking through beautiful scenery as well as making friends and raising money for the Newcastle Hospice. The Canadian Rockies are renowned as being home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Those joining us on this experience of a lifetime will explore towering mountains, turquoise-blue lakes, gleaming glaciers and enchanted forests, and we’re delighted that Ian will be one of them.”
With places still available on the fundraiser, you could be joining him. For more information about the Canadian Rockies trek, including information on the location, itinerary and registration procedure, visit the Marie Curie website by clicking here.
Those wishing to donate to this heartfelt and invaluable cause can do so via Ian’s JustGiving page here.