Participant Julia Cieslak (pictured) with Bella.

Cat fans encouraged to sign up for incredible challenge.

Cats Protection is calling on all cat lovers to sign up for its new Nepal Trek and Tiger Conservation Experience and raise vital funds to help the charity support cats in need.

The challenge takes place next year and will see participants take part in a five-day trek starting in the Annapurna area of Nepal and moving through the county's beautiful landscape.

After completing the trek, participants transfer to Bardia National Park in the south of the country, to take part in a tiger awareness programme with the local community, as well as other conservation activities.

Those wishing to take part in the experience have the option of raising a full pledge of £4,500 through sponsorships, or raising a reduced pledge and paying for the rest of the trip themselves. Funds raised will help Cats Protection continue its vital work.

Julia Cieslak from Cambridgeshire and Shannon Watkin from Tyneside are both planning to take part in next year's trek. They have been working hard to raise funds for Cats Protection despite the limitations of the pandemic.

“I couldn't pass up the opportunity to potentially see tigers in their natural habitat,” said Ms Watkin, who works at the charity’s Tyneside Adoption Centre. “I'm so dedicated in my career helping cats, I thought it was time to check out their bigger cousins!”

Ms Cieslak said: “It has been a fantastic experience, and possibly a bit addictive! I'm already thinking of what I might do after this challenge.”

“The fundraising isn't taking a lot of time out of my everyday life, but it can really make a difference to the cats in Cats Protection's care.”

The Nepal Trek and Tiger Conservation Experience takes place in 2022 from 5-18 November and places are available now.

To find out more or to reserve a place, please visit www.cats.org.uk/nepal22

Images (c) Cats Protection.