Mancunians climb a mountain for charity

UJIA North4North Hike raises £22,000 for Israeli children

A group of South Manchester ladies have just completed the challenge of their lives - the first UJIA North4North Hike across the mountains and valleys of northern Israel's Galil region. Ten hikers, including Ilana Ray and Sally Halon from UJIA Manchester, participated in the one-week trek (14-21 March 2011) which took them through some of Israel's most breathtaking scenery, raising £22,000 in the process.

Led by their guide Danny Margolis, the hikers climbed a mountain, scaled a cliff face, clambered over boulders and scrambled across streams and rivers, challenging their physical endurance more than anything they had experienced in the last year of training in the countryside around Manchester. The theme of the week was water, one of Israel's most scarce resources, and they followed a route from the spring at Banyas to the shores of the Kinneret. They learned about the area's ancient and modern history, geological formations, as well as the lush flora and fauna which were in full bloom thanks to the previous week's rainfall.

A highlight of the week was the visit to the newly-renovated Lord Steinberg Torani-Environmental School in Merom HaGalil, funded by UJIA's donors in the UK Jewish community. The ladies also witnessed the UJIA Educational Achievement and Enrichment Programme in action, a scheme that they have been raising money for in the last year to help underprivileged children gain vital life skills and knowledge including English, computer skills, art and music.

The sense of achievement at the end of the week was palpable, with many of the participants planning to revisit the Galil and experience more of what it has to offer. Once the bruises and scratches have faded, the group plan to train for another fundraising trek. People wishing to support this year's UJIA North4North Hike can donate online at: www.justgiving.com/north4north-ladies-hike

Sally Halon, Manchester UJIA UK Programmes Director, commented: "It was an amazing experience. I saw the Galil from a completely different perspective and it was gratifying to show our friends UJIA's wonderful achievements in an area of Israel they have rarely thought of visiting."

Hiker Sara Finestein said: "I'd like to thank everyone for the most amazing week ever. All those hills and steep climbs across the Galil feel like a distant dream and I can't quite believe where we actually walked last week. I can't wait for our next adventure."