Local woman hoping to raise £3,000 for Springhill Hospice with Cambodia jungle trek

Sharon hopes to raise £3,000 in memory of her father

Sharon Thomas is preparing for a five-day trek through Cambodia in November to raise £3,000 for Springhill Hospice.

Sharon, who works at Smith’s bakers in Castleton, hopes to raise £3,000 in memory of her father, Kenneth Kirkman, who died from lung cancer before there was a hospice in Rochdale.

She said: “My dad died from lung cancer when I was 18. He was 6’ 8” and 14 stone, and we watched him be cut down to just three stones at the end. There wasn’t a hospice here then, and he couldn’t die at home, so he died in hospital and in pain. He was only 57.

“Since then, I've seen the fantastic work hospices do and the difference that the care they give makes to both the person and their families. I said that sooner or later, I would do something in his memory, and now is the time. I do enjoy walking, but this is completely out of my comfort zone.”

The challenge takes place from 9 - 17 November, with Sharon having paid for the entire trip herself, meaning every penny she raises will be donated to Springhill Hospice.

She said: “I joined Weight Watchers just before last Christmas, and saw it advertised in one of their magazines. I’ve been training since January as the terrain is described as ‘challenging’ but it’s for a brilliant cause. I’d really appreciate everyone’s help in raising as much as possible for Springhill.”

The first day sees trekkers arrive at Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient city of Angkor, where they will meet local guides ahead of their journey through stunning jungles and traditional Cambodian villages to a spectacular finish line at the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.

Sharon will be trekking for approximately seven hours after the challenge begins, towards Tonle Sap Lake and the Chao Srei Vibol temple. Here she will see traditional markets and villages, rice paddy fields and a night in a Buddhist temple, surrounded by the Cambodian jungle.

The next day follows ancient farmer paths into the jungle towards forest temple Beng Mealea before camping at a jungle monastery in Svay Leur, before day five sees a hike up Kulen Mountain to the jungle village of Anlong Thom.

After exploring the mountain’s national park and shrines, the group will trek to the Great Buddha Reclining, enjoying a magnificent waterfall and exploring the valley of a 1,000 Lingas, ancient carvings under the riverbed, before returning to their hotel.

The challenge finishes by exploring the ancient Angkor ruins and Siem Reap.

To support Sharon and help her raise £3,000, visit:

https://www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/sharonthomas1