A team of fundraisers made it to the top of the highest mountain in North Africa as part of a charity challenge organised by The Children’s Centre. The group of 17 trekkers set off for the summit of Mount Toubkal which is
4,167metres (around 13,600 feet) summit above sea level and the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. Fifteen of the party made it to the top and the whole group raised a total of ?12,750 which will go towards helping The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects.

Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator at The Children’s Centre, said:

“It was a fantastic trip and everyone worked together to help as many of the group as possible to get to the summit. We must say a big thank to all of the trekkers for their hard work and determination to complete the challenge, and for their fundraising efforts. Thanks also to everyone who sponsored them – all of the funds raised will make a valuable contribution to supporting projects which help families and children across the Island, and which all rely on fundraising and charitable donations.”

Twelve of the party left from Isle of Man Airport on Wednesday October 15 and then flew from London Heathrow to Morocco. The other six made their own way to North Africa.
 
Day one of the trek began with a transfer by road to the tiny village of Imlil. The walking began the following morning with a hike through the foothills and along the Ait Mizane Valley up to the Toubkal Refuge at a height of 3,206metres. Day three started early as the trekkers walked to the summit of Mount Toubkal via the South Col route and enjoy spectacular views across the Atlas Mountains. On day four the walkers headed down the mountain to Imlil and then a transfer to Marrakech where they had a chance to see the sights and enjoy a well-earned celebratory meal. The following morning they flew to Gatwick and then on to the Isle of Man.

One of the trekkers, Aishlinn Creer, commented:

“It was the adventure of a lifetime! Morocco brought mountains, adventures, tears, trauma, bruised bottoms, new friends and lots of laughs. I loved every minute of it and now can’t wait to find out what The Children’s Centre have in store for their 2015 overseas challenge!”

The Children’s Centre organises adventure events every year to raise funds. In recent years there have been trips involving walking the Inca Trail in Peru, dog sledding in Lapland, and climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Trips are already being planned for 2015, check www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events in the coming weeks for more details.

Photo - The Children’s Centre trekkers celebrate reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains.