Overseas Treks FAQs

Logistics

When will I receive my fundraising pack?

Once you've signed up to an overseas event, you will receive your fundraising pack within a couple of months. This will include your t-shirt and lots of essential information about your event.

When will our flight details be confirmed?

Flight details are subject to change and aren't always confirmed until a few months before your event. However, we will keep you updated about any changes and confirm this in your final details pack.

What if my Marie Curie t-shirt hasn't arrived or is the wrong size?

Please contact our Supporter Relations Team by phoning 0800 716 146   or by emailing events@mariecurie.org.uk. We will be able to send you a t-shirt or swap it for the right size.

Is training necessary for my trek?

Yes. All of our overseas events are physically demanding challenges that require a certain level of fitness and stamina best acquired through training. Check out our plans and tips to help you with your training.

If you would like any more information about training for your challenge, please feel free to get in touch by emailing us at treksandcycles@mariecurie.org.uk.

How will I be kept up to date about my overseas challenge?

We will keep you updated by email and by post. We would also recommend joining the Facebook group for your event, as there will be lots of encouragement and information posted on there. It's a great way to get to know your fellow trekkers before the event, and our overseas team are on there to answer any logistical questions. If you would like to join the Facebook group, please contact us at treksandcycles@mariecurie.org.uk.

What clothing and equipment will I need for my challenge?

It's vital that you're prepared for your event with the right clothing and equipment. Please visit our kit list page where you can check the specific requirements for your challenge.

Will I need insurance?

Yes. To participate in any of our overseas challenges you must have suitable travel insurance.

We strongly recommend that you arrange your insurance as soon as possible – if anything happens that ultimately prevents you from taking part in your challenge then you will only be covered if you have adequate insurance in place.

You should ensure your policy covers all of the activities that are included in your chosen challenge (including maximum height for altitude treks), and it must include evacuation and repatriation. If you are unsure, send the insurance provider the itinerary for the event. Look carefully at what cancellation cover is included to ensure you're happy with that; free or very basic insurance packages have limited cover.

Insurers now regard covid-19 as a 'known event' so it's important to ensure your policy gives you cover specifically for this.

You may find that you already have travel insurance as part of a bank or credit card package but please check that it provides adequate cover for your chosen challenge.

Fundraising

What is my fundraising target?

Fundraising targets vary for each overseas event – if you're not sure what your target is, please contact our Supporter Relations Team by phoning 0800 716 146 or by emailing events@mariecurie.org.uk. We will send you reminders before both of your fundraising deadlines.

When should I send in my sponsorship?

If you are fundraising through JustGiving, your fundraising will come directly to us. If you're fundraising offline (for example collecting cash from sponsors), pay this in as soon as possible to ensure that you meet your fundraising targets.

You need to raise 80% of the fundraising target 12 weeks before the event to secure your place on the challenge. Your final fundraising deadline will be roughly a month after the event, so all your fundraising should be paid in by then.

What happens if I don't hit my fundraising targets?

If you are worried about hitting your fundraising targets, please contact us at events@mariecurie.org.uk. Your community fundraiser will be happy to provide support with your fundraising, and there is also the option to self-fund or do a personal advance.

Can I pay for the price of the tour costs myself?

Yes. If you would like to self-fund part of your fundraising target, that is absolutely fine and will reduce the amount you have to fundraise. If you'd like more information about this, please contact us at treksandcycles@mariecurie.org.uk.

Cancellations

Can I transfer to another overseas event?

Registrations fees are non-transferable and non-refundable, but we can transfer any funds you have raised to another trek. If you decide that you would like to transfer your place to another overseas event, please contact our Supporter Relations Team by phoning 0800 716 146 or emailing events@mariecurie.org.uk and we will assess each transfer individually

What if I become injured or need to cancel my place?

If for any reason you are no longer able to attend the event, please notify us by phoning 0800 716 146 or by emailing events@mariecurie.org.uk.

If I cancel my place, what happens to my sponsorship money?

If you have to cancel your place, you can still donate your fundraising to the charity so it can be used to provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness. If your sponsors would like a refund please contact JustGiving through your fundraising page. They can arrange refunds back to the payment card that was used to make the initial donation. If you decide to transfer to another trek, your fundraising can be moved over to the new event.

Covid-19

Will my challenge be cancelled or postponed due to Covid?

We are working towards and planning for our overseas events to go ahead this year.

Any decision to postpone or cancel an event will be based on government guidelines, travel restrictions or entry requirements for your destination country. We will notify you should your event be affected,

What will the tour operators be doing to ensure social distancing and safety at the event?

Marie Curie are working with the tour operators to ensure that our overseas events are safe and are following the relevant guidance. Advice is changing all the time, but we will send out full details of about Covid guidance and entry requirements one month before the trek in your final details pack. Please feel free to get in touch by emailing events@mariecurie.org.uk if you have any further questions on this.

Get in touch

If you have a question which isn't covered here, please contact us at events@mariecurie.org.uk.