You will have to forgive my rather old fashioned title to this blog - harking back to an era of  “The Boy’s Own Book of Adventure”, but I cannot think of a better phrase that epitomises the “It’s good 2 give” treks undertaken so far – albeit that girls have out-numbered boys by a ratio of 4 : 1! I have been fortunate enough to participate in three IG2G treks beginning with an ascent to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2013, Sub-zero Lapland in 2015 and a trek to Everest Base Camp (and back) in 2018. Hut to Hut cross-country skiing in Northern Finland is being considered for 2025.

 We are all very aware of the amazing work and ethos of the Charity ‘It’s good 2 give’ (IG2G) and the necessity to raise funds in order to accomplish its mission. That is why we participate in these fundraising treks. Without doubt, there are much easier, less demanding ways of raising money for charity so why would we embark on these treks?

 We know that children with cancer and their families face incredible challenges as they negotiate their cancer treatment. No trek, however arduous, could ever compare to the journey through cancer therapy. However, setting a personal challenge is often the catalyst to raising funds for IG2G.

 Over the years, so many of my fellow trekkers have said, “I just wanted to prove to myself / my family that I could do this”. For the majority of us, there are few occasions where we are truly out-side our comfort zone – pushing yourself to your limits – at times for several days. In this environment, we learn a lot about ourselves and our colleagues.  Similarly, seldom do we really shake off the paraphernalia of 21st Century life. On a trek, you’re  “off grid”. You don’t need to spend all morning answering e-mails or social media. You’re not at work.  Someone else can do the school-run. It’s a rare feeling of freedom and adventure. In the words of Baloo,  all you need to focus on are “The bare necessities of life”. Did I get enough breakfast to keep me going to midday? Have I enough water with me for the day? Have I patched up my blisters properly? Will I get a decent sleep tonight?

 “Bucket-list” is an unfortunate term. However, the IG2G inspired treks have given many, many people the opportunity and the stimulus to participate in a trek or adventure they would never have contemplated or had just dreamed about previously. It is the knowledge you are trekking with like-minded people, all with a common bond – raising funds for IG2G. You could call it team-building!

 A more accurate expression would be “Extreme Team Building”. This can begin many months before the date of trek  departure with meetings, workshops and regular day’s out in the hills – breaking in your new walking boots, building stamina and meeting fellow trekkers. Over the last decade, in preparation for each trek, we have benefitted greatly from the experience and advice of experts and climbers as well as international sports men and women giving up their time to aid our preparation. The product of this preparation is creating a team of people set for the trekking challenge.

 IG2G treks can be a turning point for many people. Some, previously having barely set foot in the Pentland hills, go on to climb Kilimanjaro and are now regular Munroists, Others, with little previous out-door experience continue to trek in different parts of the world with IG2G. We all identify strengths and abilities we never knew we had. Whatever the outcome, when you subsequently meet a fellow trekker with whom you reached Everest Base Camp with or shared a soggy tent inside the Arctic Circle – you have that common bond of the experience and achievement. “Because we were there!”

In raising much needed funds for IG2G, over a decade of treks has served to create and strengthen the community and bond that is the foundation of IG2G

Graham Lawson