WellChild trekkers conquer Moroccan summit

A group of 17 intrepid WellChild trekkers arrived back from North Africa recently having conquered the highest peak in Morocco to raise money for seriously ill children and their families.

The team all reached the summit of Toubkal Mountain ably supported by a three strong safety team, a WellChild team and a Moroccan team of two guides, three cooks and two muleteers. So far more than £16,000 in sponsorship money has been raised by the trekkers which will fund WellChild’s programmes to support children with complex needs and their families across the UK.

Annie Lewis who took part in the trek said: “We did it!  We got to the top of the highest mountain in Morocco and North Africa – Mount Toubkal 4,167m.  The whole experience was incredible, from the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh, delicious food cooked on the side of the mountain by waterfalls, staying in a traditional Berber village, evenings spent under the stars and sharing it all with the most amazing group of people.”

Lorna Pedersen who also took part said: “The Toubkal trek was one of the toughest but most incredible things I have ever done. The whole experience was amazing, the guides looked after us so well, the food was fantastic and the views out to the Sahara desert from the summit were breathtaking. The team spirit was great and as a member of WellChild staff it was brilliant to spend time with people who are going the extra mile to raise vital funding for us.”

Participants on the trek flew in to Morocco on Thursday June 6^th and enjoyed a meal together in Marrakech old town followed by team briefing. On Friday they had an early breakfast before a two hour transfer to the Atlas Mountains to a village called Aremd where they met the Morocco team of guides, cooks and muleteers. The day was spent walking nine miles, climbing 5,712 feet, to reach the Toubkal Mountain refuge where they slept for the next two nights.

On Saturday they headed for the mountain summit, setting off at 4am and covering ten miles in ten and a half hours to reach the Toubkal summit at a height of 4,167 metres.  All 17 participants reached the top and were back at the refuge on Saturday night. On Sunday morning the group tackled the six hour trek back to Aremd to stay in a lovely gite in the traditional Berber village where they enjoyed a celebration and presentation evening with the participants and the Moroccan team before heading back to Marrakesh on Monday.

Some of the feedback WellChild received from the trekkers who tackled Mount Toubkal included:

“The trek was fantastic, I laughed so much and had a great time with a bunch of people who were lovely and a team who kept us safe and were very fun and friendly! I would recommend to everyone!”

“The challenge itself was what we were expecting and it has been a fantastic trip, made more special by the Wellchild team and local guides. We met a great bunch of people and had loads of laughs. An unforgettable experience.”

“Absolutely loved every minute of the trek from arrival in Marrakesh to departure.”

“Looked after by a very professional team – before and during event. Everything was well organised – transfers, accommodation, medical, guides and hiking.”

“The whole experience was absolutely fantastic. Summit day was tough, the ascent was probably harder than I expected and it was a long day, but totally worth it and it definitely felt like a ‘challenge’ so sponsorship is justified!”

“It is beyond all challenges I experienced before.”