Could You Conquer Our Next Trek?

In April 2025, I took part in my very first trek – a three-day adventure through the stunning Istrian region of Croatia, raising vital funds for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT).

Our journey began in the medieval hilltop town of Buzet and led us through breathtaking, untouched landscapes. On day three, we reached the summit of Mount Učka, the highest point in Istria.

I was one of 20 extraordinary individuals, each with a unique and heartfelt reason for taking part. Among us was a woman whose sister had been airlifted by EHAAT, a former patient, a couple who began trekking years ago to support the charity and never stopped, a passionate horse rider, a motorcyclist aware of the service’s importance and even the daughter of Brian Shipley, EHAAT’s founder, walking in honour of her father’s legacy.

Despite being strangers at the start, the camaraderie and kindness I experienced were like nothing I’d ever known. There was no ego, no competition, just encouragement, teamwork, and a shared passion for making a difference. The trek was challenging, as any good trek should be, but it was made unforgettable by the awe-inspiring views, the warmth of the Croatian people, and the overwhelming sense of achievement. We explored remote parts of Istria that few tourists ever see, and, by the final day, we’d raised nearly £40,000, a humbling reminder of why we were all there.

If you’re thinking of doing something extraordinary for charity, something that will push you, reward you, and connect you with truly inspiring people, I can’t recommend the EHAAT Trek highly enough.

There are limited places available for 2027, so if trekking sounds like your kind of challenge, email jess.clarkson@ehaat.org to be added to the list.

You won’t regret it and you might just catch the trekking bug like I did!mailto:charlotte.evans@ehaat.org

Iolanda Cuomo

Head of Communications & Marketing at EHAAT (with a newfound passion for trekking!)

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