HARD MAN MARK’S TREK FOR POVERTY

A Hinckley businessman will sleep snugly as he to heads overseas this autumn, thanks to the support of Hinckley and Rugby Building Society.

The Society has purchased a sleeping bag to help keep Mark Hardman warm as he embarks on a trek in the Indian Himalayas for Action Aid this November.

More used to sleeping on one of his own foam mattresses Mark, who is a partner in the Barwell based foam conversion business George Danby and Son, will be camping with nomadic shepherds as part of his 14-day trek along the Uhl River.

The expedition through rhododendron and evergreen forests will take in Hindu settlements and isolated Buddhist monasteries. Visiting the Taj Mahal, Mark will also hopefully get a chance to meet the Dalai Lama on his journey.

Regularly donating to Action Aid since its Make Poverty History campaign a number of years ago Mark, who became a grandfather himself this year, was reminded of the work the charity does for children affected by natural disasters around the world.

Having paid for the trip himself, Mark has already smashed his original fundraising target of £3,000, having raised £3,400 to date.

Speaking about his impending adventure, Mark said: “I am looking forward to just turning up at the airport and meeting the 20 total strangers I’ll be spending the next fortnight with.

“With so much to squash into my rucksack, I’m grateful to Hinckley and Rugby Building Society for its support in sponsoring a warm compact sleeping bag.”

Hinckley and Rugby PR Officer Lisajane Gooden said: “As a community-based Society, Hinckley and Rugby is delighted to be able to support Mark in his fundraising and wishes him an enlightening and memorable trip overseas.”

Anyone wishing to support Mark can contact him on 01455 631367.