Ramanique's Annapurna Circuit Trek 2023

Last year I attempted to trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Unfortunately, 1 day into the trek we encountered unseasonably severe rains. The rains lasted over 48 hours causing severe mud and landslides, power outages, and ultimately led to the government closing the Thorong La Pass. 3 days into the trek we were left with no choice but to turn around and head back down the mountain. This November, I'm heading back to Nepal to hopefully, weather permitting, finish what I started. And hopefully raise some money along the way for 3 incredibly important charities/causes...

THE GLACIER TRUST

After 2 years of waiting due to covid to do this trip, turning back last year was pretty tough. More devastating though, was seeing the damage the rain had done to the locals, their homes and the general infrastructure up in the mountains. We saw homes that had been filled with mud slurry, homes that had fallen off the mountain side, power lines collapsed, entire roads washed away. This was climate change in action and these were the communities already acutely feeling the effects. The Himalayas are exceptionally beautiful, and it is a privilege to be able to visit them, a privilege I don't want to ever take for granted. I knew if I was to return I wanted to do something to help.

The Glacier Trust is a UK based charity that works in partnership with Nepali NGOs and Academia to enable climate change adaptation in the Himalayas. They work with remote communities in the Himalayan mountains and foothills to improve the livelihood chances of subsistence farmers who are already affected by climate change. They also enable young adults to study and train in remote areas, which up skills the next generation of Nepali glaciologists and climate change adaptation professionals.

RAINBOW MIGRATION

Last month, the home Secretary, Suella Braverman made comments questioning the legitimacy of LGBTQI+ people claiming asylum in the UK. A week later, Rishi Sunak made comments mocking trans people. These two stories made for an especially tough couple of weeks of news. To be honest, it's be a tough few years. Queer rights everywhere are under threat. Rainbow Migration are doing incredibly urgent and important work to help LGBTQI+ people through the UK immigration system. Their 4 main goals are for an asylum and immigration system that treats LGBTQI+ people fairly and with dignity, that LGBTQI+ people who need protection are granted leave to remain, that LGBTQI+ people who are seeking asylum or have refugee status experience optimum wellbeing and no isolation, and for the experiences and needs of LGBTQI+ people migrating to the UK to be better understood inside and outside Rainbow Migration.

MEDICAL AID FOR PALESTINIANS

The last 2 weeks of devastation in the Middle East has been horrific to witness. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees. They provide immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also developing local capacity and skills to ensure the long-term development of the Palestinian healthcare system. As well as responding to the emergency situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, MAP is calling on the international community to take urgent steps to secure a ceasefire, rescind the evacuation orders, and ensure civilians are safe from attack wherever they are. They are also demanding an end to the siege and the collective punishment of Gaza's population, and unimpeded safe access for humanitarian supplies and medical teams.

I know times are tough right now, with the cost of living crisis and so many causes that need our attention, but if you have the means, whatever amount you can donate, however big or small, every penny will make a big impact. Thank you.