Land for sale? Contact land@peel.co.uk

X
25 Jul 2019

Determined Tony endures dangerous challenge to raise £2,000 for children in India

Tony Smith, commercial strategy manager for Peel Environmental, part of Peel L&P, has successfully completed a grueling challenge motorbiking over the Indian Himalayas raising £2,000 for a charity very close to his heart, Adventure Ashram.

The 63-year-old, who has worked at Peel L&P for six years, endured the motorbike journey in snow, hail, fog, wind and rain to complete the 14-day ride on some of the most dangerous roads in the world.  The route included river crossings, treacherous mountain passes with landslides, destroyed bridges, deep mud and difficult tracks.

Tony has been working with the charity Adventure Ashram for 10 years and has been a trustee for four. His family work closely with him to make a difference to young children in India, providing them with a purpose again in life and creating amazing living and working opportunities. This, alongside his love for biking, was the inspiration for his latest challenge.

The £2,000 raised will contribute towards a mechanics work shop and training for young boys in Odanadi, near Mysore who have been tragically abandoned. There is also a ‘sister’ facility for girls.

Tony was dubious yet excited, but most of all determined to successfully complete the famous ‘cliffhanger’ which was the most demanding and exhilarating part of his challenge.

Tony said: “The challenge has been an incredible experience and I am proud to have raised money for such a worthy cause. The thin air at almost 18,000 feet made breathing difficult but riding some of the most dangerous roads in the world has all been worth it to raise money for a charity that really gives something back to people who truly need it. The trip was exhilarating and uplifting.”

Adventure Ashram is a small, but mighty charity driven by a spirit of adventure. They focus on supporting anti-trafficking, health and education grassroots projects in India.

Margaret Ring, Project Manager and Fundraiser at Adventure Ashram said: “We can't thank Tony enough for his amazing support and fundraising efforts that have raised such an incredible amount for our small but mighty charity, with extra thanks to everyone who has made a donation to Tony's appeal.”

“Over the last 12 years, Adventure Ashram has provided access to education for hundreds of tribal children, built a safe house for boys rescued from situations of human trafficking, as well as providing vital health checks for vulnerable children. We could not have made this impact without the dedication of supporters like Tony and are privileged to be backed by so many adventurous and generous people.”

If you would like to make a donation in support of Tony and his challenge, please visit his fundraising page https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TonySmith52