*"I regret nothing in life except what I have not done" (Coco Chanel)

Dear Family and Friends,

At the end of October, I will be trekking to Mt Everest Base Camp (5,364m) in the aid of the charity Woman for Woman International UK, which helps women survivors of war rebuild their lives. Leading myself a life of privilidge and opportunity and a fulfilling career, it is a tremendous motivation for me to support those women crippled by the violence and trauma of war, to take fundamental steps to regain courage, hope and the foothold to start a new life.

It is an exhilerating challenge and I am personally committed to raise GBP 5.000 for this cause.

Our team of 10 women will be led by my friend, Everest summiteer Valerie Boffy, who has deeply inspired me on many occasions with her passion, uncompromising dedication and courage towards those things she truly believes in. To experience the trek to Everest Base Camp under her leadership is for me the chance of a lifetime!

About the Trek

The climb of 12-14 days will commence in the city of Lukla (2,860m), through the Khumbu Valley, to culminate at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) where the team, trekking under the banner of Women for Women, will plant prayer flags prepared and designed by the children in our respective communities, carrying messages of hope for peace in the world.

It will be an extraordinary journey about friendships, passions, freedom, and the commitments to others. In the spirit of humility and gratitude, we will be pushing our physical and mental limits on behalf of those women who are deprived of the most basic freedom: the right to live in peace and happiness with their loved ones, the right to education and self accomplishment, the right to live with respect and decency.

We live daily with these vital basic rights, yet others can only dream of attaining them.

About Women for Women International

Since its creation, Women for Women International has given hope to more than 290.000 women survivors of war and conflict, and helped them move towards economic self-sufficiency with its year-long programmes of direct aid, rights awareness, education, job skills and small business development. Today they operate offices in Afganistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Sudan.

WfWI has distributed $95 million in direct aid, microcredit loans and other programme services.

 

I appeal to you to please support me in raising vital funds for Women for Women International. I appeal to you to help women around the world whose life has been devastated by war, violence and rape, by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to move beyond crisis and poverty, towards building confidence and self-sufficiency.

With my thanks and gratitude,

Hermine

 

Follow our trek progress on Facebook:

WFWI BaseCampTrek 2012