A team of 12 from Hospice Isle of Man are currently in the middle of a trip to Nepal.

The team, including chief executive Anne Mills, arrived in the country last weekend and have been assisting at a hospice in Kathmandu carrying out some painting and offering educational support to the local staff.

This will be followed by a challenging five day trek through the Nepalese countryside, staying at local teahouses along the route.

Mrs Mills said ’Not only is it a personal challenge for me but it is an opportunity to support a local hospice in Kathmandu and offer support about palliative care as well as improving their healing environment.

’The team have been busy raising funds for Hospice Isle of Man which will allow us to continue to provide care for our patients and you can stay up to date with our progress via our social media channels’.

An update on Hospice’s Facebook page said that the team had now completed the volunteering at the hospice in Kathmandu.

It said: ’They [the team] didn’t know exactly what they’d be doing until they arrived but they’ve been kept very busy clearing overgrown areas, weeding the gardens, washing down walls and repainting them.

’Hospice Nepal cares for 150-200 patients annually and was established in 2000. They are situated in Thasikel and currently have 8 beds for patients.

’We were privileged to witness a sacred Hindu blessing for a patient who was coming towards the end of their life.

’Gifts were paid by the team and taken to Hospice Nepal which included a Manx wooden triskelion which was engraved with Hospice Isle of Man to be hung in their building.’

Go Mann Adventures have supported the charity to ensure the participants were ready for the challenge by organising training walks and hosting sessions on relevant equipment.