Published: Friday, 26th June, 2009 11:16am

Cathy To Scale The Heights In The Himalayas

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Cathy Jamieson, MSP, a former director of Who Cares? Scotland has volunteered to accompany one of the two trek teams going to the Himalayas.

Over 22 young people in care throughout Scotland are heading for the hills to prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow in the footsteps of world-famous mountaineers such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Chris Bonington, Doug Scott and Dougal Haston while understanding the lives of, and making links with young people in Nepal.

Who Cares? Scotland - the charity providing advocacy and support for looked after young people - together with support from MSPs, Scotland"s business community and members of the public, has organised two treks to the foothills of the Himalaya in Nepal. In the run-up to their trip the young Scots will be trying to raise money for both Who Cares? Scotland and Community Action Nepal

The Nepal Trek is part of the charity"s 30th anniversary year programme aimed at challenging stigma and celebrating success. It will see the youngsters embark, November 09, on an exciting 11-day trip. After flying from Scotland to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, the young Scots will set off on a circular 100 kilometre trek, travelling through remote villages and some of the world"s most dramatic scenery.

She said: 'I am always up for a challenge and this year is no different! With the global economic situation having an impact, charities and voluntary organisations are also feeling the pinch. So this year, I will be making a big effort to support Who Cares? Scotland, the advocacy organisation for children and young people who are 'looked after" in care.

'I used to work for Who Cares? Scotland so I know just how valuable their work is in giving looked after young people a real voice and helping make sure they are safe when living in cares settings. I will be sharing the challenge of the Bhara Pokhari 100 km trek in Nepal in late October/early November this year - and will be spending my birthday somewhere in the mountains of Nepal!'

According to expedition leader Grant Gilroy, a regional manager with Who Cares? Scotland, the Bhara Pokhari trek is set amongst spectacular views of the south faces of the largest peaks in the Himalaya.

He said: 'Foreigners seldom take this particular route and consequently the Nepalese villagers greet visitors with a great deal of friendliness.

Grant, himself an experienced and qualified leader who has led treks in Nepal before added: 'This is a major undertaking for Who Cares? Scotland. We are collaborating with Community Action Nepal and participating Scottish Local Authorities to raise much-needed money to improve the health and education of people in Nepal. While in Nepal the young people will visit one of the projects benefiting from their fundraising efforts'

Heather Gray, Director of Who Cares? Scotland, who will be accompanying the young Scots on the trek commented: 'This trip is giving young people in care throughout Scotland and their workers the opportunity to plan and work towards an amazing experience that will provide them with a completely different perspective on their lives.

'At the same time by raising money for Community Action Nepal and Who Cares? Scotland they will also be helping other young people in care and improving the health and education of people in some of the poorer regions of Nepal.

'I am delighted that Vango, the outdoor and camping specialists are supporting the Nepal trip with a range of equipment for our young people and their carers.'

Each young Scot nominated to become part of the Nepal Trek will be responsible for raising almost £2,000 to pay for their flights, travel within Nepal, trek leaders, porters, food, accommodation and a contribution to the work of Community Action Nepal. To secure funding a range of sponsorship events are being planned over the next six months to include: hill climbs, walks, cycle rides, supermarket collections, Nepalese themed evenings and raffles.

As well as the individual young people fundraising for themselves Who Cares? Scotland has set up a separate fundraising account to hold general fundraising contributions to support the young people"s efforts. Who Cares? Scotland will use this as a top up fund to support young people struggling to make the required target amount. Contributions to this fund will be gratefully received and can either be made directly to Who Cares? Scotland or through internet payments to the especially set up site at:-

www.justgiving.com/nepaltrek2009