Springboard volunteers set off on £100,000 fund-raising trek in India

Thirty-two intrepid volunteers are flying into to India today to take part in a life changing challenge - a 60-mile trek in Little Tibet, in aid of the hospitality's industry charity, Springboard.

Individuals from Apex Hotels, the Savoy, Landmark hotel, Sodexo and Compass, amongst others, will spend five days trekking through the Dhauladhar mountains, before undertaking a three-day volunteering project in a school at an altitude of 2,500m.

Together they hope to raise £100,000 to help disadvantaged young people into employment.

Springboard chief executive Anne Pierce, who will lead the trekkers supported by two of her colleagues, said: "We hope that the trek will provide the opportunity for people to better understand the scope and value of the work that the charity does in the hospitality industry in the UK.

"The trek is a fantastic way to do something pro-active and meaningful, raise significant funds and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people in Little Tibet as well as in the UK. It also challenges our own abilities to cope under testing mental and physical encounters, as well as being a unique opportunity to develop relationships, cultivate teamwork and friendship in an unforgettable environment."

This year's trek in north east India follows on from Springboard previous expeditions in Nepal, Peru, China and Sahara Desert.

Last year's trek in Nepal, undertaken by 22 volunteers, raised £140,000 for Springboard, which has helped support nearly 100 young people secure employment in the hospitality industry.

Springboard Awards for Excellence winners revealed >>

Caterer and Hotelkeeper hotels editor joins Springboard Charity trek in Nepal >>

Volunteers sought to join Springboard Charity's trek to India >>