AN OKEHAMPTON woman who trekked through Nepal last November and raised over £5,000 for charity is ready to do it again after catching the adventure bug!
Meri Cox, 61, who has just retired as a community nurse in Okehampton, is hoping to go back to Nepal in November but this time she wants to take a group of people with her so they too can experience the trip of a lifetime.
Meri's first charity walk in the shadows of Everest last year was in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and she is hoping to boost the fund for the new Okehampton Hospital this time around.
'The last trip was a special 70-mile charity trek for the Teenage Cancer Trust which involved 27 walkers and between us we managed to raise £100,000,' she said.
'It was so exhilarating that I wanted to go back but this time I have hand-picked the trip which is in the Annapurna region and includes an eight-day trek to the Annapurna sanctuary, two days white water rafting and two days in the sub-tropical jungles of the Royal Chitwan National Park,' she said.
The retired nurse is looking for at least six people to join her on the adventure which begins on November 20 and lasts for 17 days. The cost per person is £1,875 but Meri is hoping the group may be able to get sponsorship.
'I am looking for people of any age who want a challenge of a lifetime,' she said. 'The aim is to have a real adventure and raise money for the new hospital at the same time.
'The hospital appeal to purchase patient comforts and specialised equipment stands at £250,000 and I feel it is important that we, as local people, should help in whatever way we can because the hospital is for us.'
Meri is prepared to act as a Girl Friday once again to raise cash and is offering her services for such things as gardening, decorating and babysitting.
Regular walking on the moors prepared Meri for her last trek and she admits you have to be pretty fit as much of the walking is over steep ground.
Anyone who wants to find out more about the trip or sponsor Meri can phone her on 01837 52887.
Sponsor forms can be picked up from the Castle Hospital, Piggys Cafe and Okehampton Health Centre.