SEVENTY KILOMETRES conquered and 3,000-metre-high peaks scaled - that’s what a councillor accomplished as he has raised more than £7,300 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA).
Robert McLean, ward member for Warfield Harvest Ride, tackled the Himalayas earlier this month in a five-day trek.
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The Bracknell Forest councillor was hoping to raise £3,000 for TVAA but has so far collected £4,300 more than expected.
This is enough to pay for more than two years of training for a critical care paramedic.
Cllr McLean said: “I am delighted to have managed to complete the trek.
“It was hard-going at times both physically and mentally but with the support of my fellow trekkers and knowing it was for such a great cause, my motivation almost never wavered!”
The challenge started in Delhi, before the hikers took an overnight train takes Dharamsala.
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Despite the challenges involved in camping in remote areas and hiking across tricky terrain, trekkers got to witness spectacular views over the area around Dharamshala.
Robert and his fellow fundraisers had the opportunity to visit the home of the Dalai Lama and its temple as well as another Hindu temple on their route.
At the end of their trip, the ten trekkers visited the world-famous Taj Mahal, where they had the opportunity to learn about one of the wonders of the world before returning home.
Cllr McLean took off on Thursday, October 3, and before his challenge got underway he told the News about how important TVAA was to those who needed it.
“I have heard from patients how the service has helped them at their time of greatest need, when that help was critical and made the difference between them living and dying.
“I have also met their dedicated, highly-trained and skilled doctors, paramedics and support staff, who provide that life-saving care.
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“With all the money they need to fly their helicopter and operate their critical care cars coming entirely from donations, I know that everything I raise will help them continue their life-saving work.”
You can view Cllr McLean’s fundraising page here
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