For those who don’t know, last year I participated in the biggest challenge I’ve ever undertaken – and lets be honest its probably the biggest challenge I’ll ever do in my lifetime. Last year, I was one of sixty lucky participants who was selected to take part in CoppaFeel’s annual trek and honestly it was one of the best experiences of my life. CoppaFeel (with the help of Fabulous magazine) have announced details of this years trek, they’re only going to be going to the Himalayas! Applications to go onto the trek close next week so I thought I would use this weeks post to write abit about my experience of doing the trek in case you were sitting on the fence about applying.
The trek I participated in saw me flying to Romania for a week long trek in Transylvania with sixty complete strangers. Its the strangest thing but if you’re worried about not knowing anyone don’t be! By the time we’d even landed in Romania friendships were already being made and by the flight home we all left with a bunch of new lifelong friends of who we’ll always have completing this crazy adventure in common with. You’re even paired with a complete stranger (I do believe they paired you up by age) who you spend the entirety of the week cooped up in the tiniest of tents with – I’m not even kidding, we couldn’t even stand up in our tent or put our tshirts on without almost hitting your tent mate! My tent buddy was the most lovely person in the world and I left the week feeling like I’d known her my entire life, we laughed through the week together and experienced the highs and lows of trek life.
My year was headed up by two celebrity captains, the very lovely Lisa Snowdon and Tom Fletcher. I liked being split up into two smaller teams as it meant you could speak to everyone on your team but you do see the other team plenty during the week. You knew everyone on your team and it was great to get to know every single person. Both of the team captains we had we fantastic and it was just like speaking to a friend and not a celebrity – which is exactly what you want on a trek like this! This years trek is captained by Giovanna Fletcher, Brooke Vincent and two unannounced team captains and I’m sure they’ll all be just as wonderful and supportive as our captains.
The walk itself…well where do I start! It is tiring and that is an understatement! I went into this walk having already pushed myself to try and get fitter (prior to this I did minimal exercise, the dog walk was about as far as it went…) and boy was that nowhere near enough. Day one came and I wondered what on earth I was doing and how on earth I was supposed to get through the rest of the week – especially as day one had been advertised as the ‘easy’ day. However, your team are the most supportive people and you’re not judged for being slower and struggling going uphill – yes just the uphill’s, I loved even the steepest downhills! They were quick to believe you can do it even when you’re convinced that you can’t and someone was always around to help you get up the hills, one step at a time. You’re never left to struggle on alone and I think that’s the best part of the CoppaFeel trek, everyone wants to cross that line as a team and no one see’s it as a race. Everyone just helped each other where they could. A slightly easier route was even factored into the plans on the big mountain day too which was greatly appreciated, so the week really is achievable by everyone. This years trek isn’t until November so hopefully those extra few months will be crucial to help get your fitness up ready for the trek. If I could complete the trek, anyone can!
The major downside to the CoppaFeel trek which was the main thing that put me off applying is the fundraising. You have to raise a lot of money to go as well as pay a deposit to secure your place. However, last year I managed to somehow raise over £3000 with relatively little effort! I’d planned fundraising concerts, car boots – anything really to try hit the target I needed to raise but I didn’t actually do any of it! You’ll be surprised at how generous people are when they hear you’re raising money for CoppaFeel and people will tell you so many stories about how breast cancer has affected them or a close family member, which when you’re struggling getting up mountains you find yourself thinking of these stories and it really helps you find the energy to carry on as you know what you’re doing is for such a good cause. However, I did have fantastic support, I had workmates asking departments I’d never even step foot in to sponsor me and I even had a friend do a 24 hour bikeathon with all monies going to my fundraising page. Help to fundraise comes in surprising ways and peoples generosity will never fail to astound you.
Really I can’t explain how much I would recommend doing the CoppaFeel trek. I’m not going to lie, it will be the hardest week of your life but it’s so completely worthwhile at the end. I’ve never felt such emotion as I have crossing the finish line on the final day! If you’re looking for a challenge and want to help raise money for a fantastic charity then I couldn’t recommend applying to take part in this trek enough – plus this years celebrates the 10th anniversary of CoppaFeel!
If anyone has any questions about the trek I’m more than happy to answer anything – believe me since I’ve come back I still find it hard to resist talking to people about ‘this one time in Transylvania’ or ‘that time I went on a trek’ so I really am happy to answer anything. Also, whilst your reading my blog post, remember to check your boobs! This is CoppaFeel’s main message and I know my eyes were opened on the trek how important early detection is and how breast cancer can affect any age or gender.
For more information on the trek and how to apply click hereFor more information on the trek and how to apply click here
melissay 