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Surgery trio return from trek of a lifetime

THREE staff from Dromore Surgery have returned from a 10-day "adventure of a lifetime" to Vietnam.

Dr. Eileen Atchison, nurse Rhoda Mark and receptionist Sandy Ingram were among a party to take part in Action Cancer's Trek to the country.

From left - Dromore surgery nurse Rhoda Mark, receptionist Sandy Ingram and Dr. Eileen Atchison during their trek in Vietnam. BL11503

Celebrations as the Dromore surgery trio reach the end of Action Cancer's Trek Vietnam. BL11505

 

From left - Dromore surgery nurse Rhoda Mark, receptionist Sandy Ingram and Dr. Eileen Atchison during their trek in Vietnam. BL11503

Each of the three had to raise at least £3,000 ahead of the event, and aside from the satisfaction of raising so much money for a good cause, the Vietnam trek, said Rhoda was something everyone should experience once in life. "It was a wonderful experience," she said. "You'd never do the same thing again, but it was an eye-opener to see how some of those hill tribes live.

"They are so happy with so little. They're completely self-sufficient and do the most intricate needlework, usually after working all day, carrying huge loads on their back, women and children included."

Rhoda said the trio had found the trek to be a huge challenge, though it was well organised by ` Across the Divide' on behalf of Action Cancer, and their months of training in the Mourne mountains stood them in good stead

Rhoda, Eileen and Sandy left earlier this month for Hanoi, where they explored before taking an overnight train to Lao Cai, where the challenge began in earnest.

When they finished seven days later the at Sapa there was a gala celebration at a local restaurant, ahead of a day relaxing and exploring Sapa before an overnight train journey back to Hanoi.

It seems the trio arrived home without a blister between them though they don't want to see beef noodle soup for quite some time.

All three women were full of praise for the trek's organisers and the Action Cancer team of Kelly and Gareth, who looked after them, provided encouragement when needed and light entertainment at times.

There was praise too for the local guides and the team of 70 porters who ran up the hills carrying huge weights in baggage and "beautifully" prepared and laid out all the food.

The three were no less appreciative of all the help and support they received here at home and thank their sponsors, the people of Dromore and district and those further afield who gave generously of their time, donations and support in so many different ways.

Ahead, in April, lies a reunion with the many good friends the trio met during the trek.

Ulster Star
17/03/2006

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