At the start of my hike – before the weather turned!

Since announcing my new UNICEF adventure with Charley Boorman, lots of people have been asking me how they can combine their own travels with “giving something back”.

Undertaking a big trip like India is a huge commitment in terms of fundraising and planning for the event itself. But you don’t need to embark on large-scale ventures to raise money for a good cause. Even a “mini adventure” can make a difference.

Today, for instance, I’m just back from a day-long 40km hike along the Great Ocean Road. I love walking and on a whim, I decided to set myself a specific challenge with the little time I have this weekend, to raise much-needed funds for my UNICEF pot. The day before, I rallied round friends, colleagues and even my building manager (!), asking them to sponsor my walk with any spare change.

London Bridge, Great Ocean Road

The hike itself turned into a bit of an epic. As I set off at sunrise, the coastal elements decided to throw everything at me – gale-force winds, hail, and a rockfall across the walking track which resulted in a messy scramble up a cliff (it wasn’t pretty – there weren’t any style points for that particular manoeuvre, I can tell you!). But I gritted my teeth and pressed on, spurred by the thought of the $250 I was raising for my cause.

And hey, you don’t have to support a big charity. Why not think about a local charity or cause that raises money for animal welfare, health concerns, or maybe a community project of some sort? Whatever gets you passionate. Then find an adventure, great or small, get excited about it – and then get others excited about it! Not everyone will want to sponsor you, of course, but many will – some people love living vicariously through others’ adventures, so a bit of cash is a small price to pay, as they see it!

I’m already planning my next mini fundraiser. I’m not really the bake sale type so I’m sure it will end up being another outdoorsy sort of challenge. I hope this post has inspired you to start thinking up your own ideas – good luck and here’s to adventures for good!

Thanks!