Fundraising update

74% of my target now raised – that’s a whopping £7,400 – refer to blog of 1st March for the detail and how it’s being used.

Gill’s and my travel documents are now all in place (so many of them!), our essential vaccinations all been had and since my last blog I’ve had Covid AGAIN (not so pleasant this time) and recovered JIT!

Aitkin Spence – Leading Tour Operator in Sri Lanka – sponsoring us!

One of two very exciting things that have happened since my last update is that Aitkin Spence, Sri Lanka’s leading tour operator, has offered to sponsor us. They are supporting our travel where required and providing a guide who will be with us for the full time we’re there. This is an amazing gesture which I’m incredibly grateful for and fills us with confidence. Aitken Spence was founded in 1868 by two British entrepreneurs focussed at the time on trading and maritime services. Now though it’s a blue chip conglomerate and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983. It has over 12,000 employees now – what an incredible 150 year + journey the company has had.

Our training update

The second amazing thing that’s happened since my last blog post is we’ve had specialist training with ex-special forces guy last weekend. We’ve been trained in advanced First Aid from being able to apply a tourniquet (and in my case learning what a tourniquet actually is!) to freeing up our airways in an emergency situation. We now feel better equipped to help each other should the unlikely need arise. We also learnt situational awareness skills which was a huge eye opener for us – mostly common-sense stuff but with some great top tips for keeping ourselves safe whilst travelling. Personal Protection training to follow this coming weekend! Whoohoo!

Zoom Call

This week my college, CONEL, hosted a Zoom session for our students to celebrate International Women’s Day and interviewed Sashi Stephen, Director/CEO of Women’s Development Centre, Lynn Stanier, CEO of Their Future Today, and me, about issues affecting women in Sri Lanka and how education and training are playing a major part in improving the situation for girls and women there. Once the copy has been edited I’ll add here if interested in hearing these inspiring leaders, Sashi and Lynn, talk about their organisations and missions. In the meantime here’s a screen shot.

Countdown

We’re now on a day by day countdown. 10 days to be precise! Once there I hope to blog and post most days, wifi connection permitting, with images and videos of people we meet along the way and how we’re getting on. When we visit the projects I’ll highlight how the funds we’re raising are being spent.

Further sponsorship – If you’d like to sponsor us on this trek whilst being assured that every penny will go to those who need it, then please donate by clicking on this link Marcia Summers is fundraising for Their Future Today (justgiving.com). Don’t forget that if you’re a tax payer to declare ‘gift aid’ when doing so which will increase your donation by 25% at no cost to you . Alternatively, if you know anyone or an organisation which may have any interest in these causes please forward onto them.