Charity's work inspires fundraising trek

By kstyan

A VISIT to his sister in Nepal inspired a Lingfield man to embark on a gruelling charity trek.

James Littmann took up the challenge after learning about the Esther Benjamins Trust – a charity his sister Fran was volunteering for.

"I came to visit my sister at the refuge where she had been working for the last two months, and within minutes of meeting the kids I had been moved by their warmth and affection," said the former Lingfield Notre Dame pupil. "When the opportunity arose for me to work for the Esther Benjamins Trust for two weeks, I jumped at the chance."

The charity has been rescuing and repatriating victims of the child trafficking trade between Nepal and India since 1999.

Impressed by the charity's work James immediately started working as a volunteer researcher in their Kathmandu office by day and helping look after the 104 children in their Godawari refuge by night.

James said: "The kids and staff have given me so much more than I could ever give back so raising money on my trek to help the trust continue its essential work is but a small token to show my appreciation towards them for the amazing experience they have given me."

As well as caring for 130 children – providing them with educational training and a high standard of living – the charity runs various sustainable projects supporting them with employment into adult life.

James left on November 6 and will climb to an altitude of nearly 18,000 feet during his 21 day trek along the Annapurna circuit in the Nepalese Himalayas.

And to add to the charity's coffers, sister Fran braved the bungy and did a fundraising jump to mark International Children's Day on the Friday November 20.

For more information about the charity visit www.ebtrust.org.uk