Karin Blak, from Chipping Campden, is trekking to the summit of Mount Olympus in June, all in aid of the charity Scope. But what has possessed her to make such an arduous journey? According to Karin, "I think I must be barking mad, but I wanted to raise some money for Scope, as it’s a charity that doesn’t really get a mention.  You never really hear about them (Scope) and they do a really good job in the community for people with cerebral palsy. Both people with cerebral palsy and their helpers.  | | Karin Blak |
"You never really hear about them and they do a really good job in the community for people with cerebral palsy. Both people with cerebral palsy and their helpers. Karin has never done any serious trekking before but is determined to make it to the summit of Mount Olympus. "I will be trekking for eight or nine hours a day and the first two and a half days will be all uphill. I've only just begun the training and it is a very tough regime. Training "The training is all about building up stamina and I have to walk six hours a day to get the body used to moving. I also have to build up the muscles and the stamina in my legs which I'm doing at the gym." In June the temperature in Greece can reach 25°C, not an ideal climate for trekking, but Karin is well aware of the difficulties that lay ahead. "The trek is not going to be comfortable because of the steep hills and because of the amount of equipment we have to carry with us. | The trek is not going to be comfortable because of the steep hills and because of the amount of equipment we have to carry with us. | | Karin Blak |
"In the beginning it will be heavy on the back, in shorts and T-shirts but we have to carry thermal clothing, waterproofs, hat, gloves and scarves, for protection at the higher levels. There may even be snow at the top." Mount Olympus is 3000 meters high and Karin will be starting a few 100 metres from the bottom, as it’s near impossible to start from sea level. "The first day we will be climbing 1000 metres and the second day 900 metres. The third day will be the last couple of hundred metres." Fundraising To help raise even more money for Scope Karin has organised a holistic therapy day on March 14 at Chipping Campden Town Hall. She said, "Over 15 Holistic therapists will be at the event, including acupuncture, astrology, aromatherapy, clairvoyants, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, reflexology and reiki – all kinds of alternative therapies. "I know a lot of people who would like to try one of these holistic therapies but they don’t know enough about them, so this day will give them an opportunity to try a taster session." If you would like to make a donation or can offer Karin any trekking equipment please contact Karin on 01386 701497 | Holistic Therapy Day | | Venue | Chipping Campden Town Hall | | Date | Sundy March 14 | | Time | 11am - 4pm | | Cost | £2 on the door |
Article by Nat Hall 
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Karin Blak is undertaking the challenge of a lifetime by trekking to the summit of Mount Olympus is Greece.
