We’re on trek again!

KIND-HEARTED Bahrain residents are putting their best foot forward for charity by trekking along a Himalayan mountain range to raise money for autistic children.

So far 12 residents of the kingdom – six women and six men – aged between 30 and 60, have signed up and are preparing for the adventure in Ghorepani, Nepal, to raise awareness of the condition and funds for the Alia School for Early Intervention, an organisation that supports children with autism in Bahrain.

The adventurers, who begin their trip on January 31, hope to match and exceed the impressive BD17,000 raised earlier this year in a similar exercise spread out over only three days.
In one way they reached their peak and in another it just set their hearts on doing it again.

Paul Henson, 45, one of the lead organisers of the expedition, said: “This is such a worthwhile cause because the children get such fantastic care at the Alia School. It teaches these kids basic skills, which can hopefully help them find employment as they get older.

“Most charities in the kingdom receive sizable support from ministries and private organisations but this one has little support.”

While many are content to simply donate a fixed sum to charity, events like this also help to raise much-needed awareness about the cause.

Dr Sawsan Karimi, 44, a board member at the school and Professor of Anthropology at the University of Bahrain, is also dusting off her hiking boats to take part for a second time.

Dr Karimi’s son Hussain, 12, is a former pupil at the school who has now been integrated into a mainstream school thanks to the specialist care he received there.

She said: “As a mother, there is nothing you wouldn’t do for your kids, my son had the opportunity to better himself and every child deserves that opportunity.

“Many kids with autism are very smart and gifted. If we have the right resources we can nurture their talents and maybe even discover the next Picasso here in Bahrain.”

Dr Karimi continued: “These children should be a bigger part of the community, we shouldn’t separate them from us and the Alia School does such amazing work.”

Some people have questioned if the money raised to fund the trip would be better spent as a direct donation to the school. However, Dr Karimi says that raising awareness about autism is paramount and the distance of the group’s destination is undoubtedly a conversation starter.

“I would go to the moon and back if it would make people think about children with autism,” she explained. “Once you’re aware of autistic children’s needs and what their families go through, you want to do anything you can to help.”

Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably a combination of factors that lead to autism.

Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism. Similarly, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system (neurological) problems are also more common in families with autism.

A number of other possible causes have been suspected, but not proven. They include diet, digestive tract changes, the body’s inability to properly use vitamins and minerals, as well as vaccine sensitivity.

Dr Karimi described last year’s trip as a ‘rewarding challenge’ and a great way to meet new people.

 She said: “It’s a great experience it clears your mind and help you become more serine. You never know how far you can survive on so little things.  Last time, all the nationalities and ages bonded almost instantly.

“What these people are doing is amazing, kind, touching and very thoughtful. Not all of them have kids with autism but they are willing to help make a real difference.”

This year, the trek has been extended to take place over 11 days to allow the group to walk at a slower pace, which will benefit participants who are less fit but still want to show their support.

Paul, an avid gym-goer himself, has promised that he and a highly-trained group of Sherpa’s will to be on-hand to help any stragglers. 

He said: “Last time we had some people who found the experience quite challenging due to health issues.

“It’s a tough journey, walking six-to-eight hours a day, but it’s not overly strenuous. We’re taking things slower because the whole idea is to have the expedition accessible to everybody and accommodate people of all levels of fitness.

“However, I recommend that anyone who wants to take part should train a bit beforehand, it’s not essential but it helps and will probably benefit you in the long-run.”

In preparation for the adventure, the group has been meeting in Amwaj for practice mini-walks. The one-hour excursions give a good indication of people’s fitness levels and Paul has made it clear that although he wants another eight people to sign up for the Nepal journey, if you can’t handle The Lagoon, you need not apply.

Each participant has to pay for their own expenses, which is in the range of BD860, excluding international airfare.
 
To sponsor the team or to join the expedition, email paul@summit-uk.com