From Northamptonshire Peaks to Indian Peaks

Two senior directors from Spire Homes have braved the highest peaks of the Western Ghats in Kerala, India to help raise money for charity. Around £60,000 has been raised from the trek so far and this is still growing. The money will help Homeless International, a charity that works across Asia and Africa, to help improve the lives and living conditions of some of the poorest people in the world.

Julie Doyle, Managing Director and Lynn Stubbs, Director of Business Services, spent ten days in Kerala, through all types of weather from monsoon rain to blazing heat. Walking for up to eight hours each day and passing through some of India’s most beautiful scenery, the trek was an unforgettable experience. It brought sixteen people together from diverse backgrounds all keen to raise as much money as possible and to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

Lynn said, “Trekking for hours through leech forests was one of our biggest surprises, and something we may possibly laugh about – one day! Leeches became a feature of the trek, turning up in lots of places, including a sleeping bag!”

One of their highlights was visiting a project in Bangalore and meeting people whose lives have been changed by the work of the charity, Homeless International. Women who were saving to build better lives for them and their families, making sure they had money for things such as emergency medical care or uniforms so their children could go to school. With the charity’s support they were also able to access loans to really change their lives by getting materials to build toilets and build secure new homes. Julie said, “It was a very humbling experience and a real lesson in how people can overcome incredible challenges with a strong spirit and just a little extra support.”