IFG Isle of Man directors trek Nepal for charity

Recently, two of our directors based in the Isle of Man, returned from a once in a lifetime challenging trip to Nepal. The event was organised by a charity called Cancer Backup (www.cancerbackup.org.uk) with all funds raised going to them. Between them, Mark and Gary raised over £8,000 with a substantial contribution coming from IFG staff and directors as well as external service providers to the IFG Group. Both Mark and Gary would like to thank everyone who contributed for their generosity.

The trip entailed a five day trek in the Himalayas departing from Lukla (check-out Lukla Airport on YouTube!) with the half way point being a Buddhist monastery at Tengboche; which at 3,870 metres was the highest point reached on the trek. The monastery, which stands on the trail to Everest, provided an excellent opportunity to take in the panorama of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Walking was tough both in terms of terrain, and the rarefied atmosphere at such heady heights. However, the months of strenuous training paid off!

In fact, such was the determination displayed by Mark, when faced with not being able to get the fruit from his can of mango juice, he resorted to ripping the can open with his bare hands! For his part, Gary earned the title of “Iron Man Mote” for his downhill prowess. In Nepalese ‘mote’ means large one (and that’s being kind)! As Gary commented after the trip “It’s hard to resist the force of gravity”.

In truth, it was a fantastic opportunity that the pair thoroughly enjoyed and, importantly, raised a large amount of money for an extremely worthwhile charity. Cancer Backup provides information, understanding and support for those people diagnosed with cancer and their families. The charity has recently merged with the Macmillan Cancer Support which has enabled them to significantly widen their distribution network.

If anybody would still like to make a donation, please would they contact either Mark or Gary in the Isle of Man office.

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