Last month, our Payroll Manager, Cheryl Harvey, set out on an incredible 10-day adventure, trekking 115km across Cambodia to Angkor Wat, to raise money for Promise Dreams, the APC’s chosen charity.

Over 10 days, Cheryl walked through rice paddies, farmlands, jungles and small villages and ended her adventure at Angkor Wat, the magnificent Hindu temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was both a physical and mental challenge, with long days trekking through unpredictable weather conditions, navigating uneven terrain and pushing past moments of sheer exhaustion.

Yet each step brought fresh discoveries; locals waving along dusty village paths, farmers tending their fields and the lively sights and sounds of local communities. By the time Cheryl reached Angkor Wat, a profound sense of accomplishment washed over her. Standing before the temple, she felt deeply connected to her journey; not just across the Cambodian countryside, but within herself, having tested her resilience, patience and curiosity every step of the way. With the knowledge that her trek had also raised vital funds for charity, it made the achievement even more meaningful, turning her personal challenge into a cause that could make a difference for others.

Promise Dreams is a national charity dedicated to bringing joy to seriously and terminally ill children by fulfilling their dreams. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, meeting their celebrity hero, or receiving specialist equipment to improve daily life, Promise Dreams helps create cherished memories for children and their families during difficult times.

We caught up with Cheryl after her trip to hear the highlights of her adventures and learn more about her incredible experience.

Cheryl, what was a typical day like during your trip?

“A typical day on the trip was really challenging because of the weather. It rained almost the entire time, so my feet were constantly wet and, no matter what I tried, nothing ever seemed to dry them. The temperatures were in the mid-30s and the humidity was around 90% so it was really draining. I kept hoping for a break in the rain, but the weather was so much worse than I expected. It definitely made getting around much harder than I’d imagined, and I just tried to keep my feet as dry as possible. Every day we started walking around 7:30-8:00 a.m. and ended up covering 7-8 hours on foot. On one of the days, our original route had been flooded, so we had to take a completely different path, which made getting around even more difficult. Still, despite the rain, I managed to see so many amazing places and had experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything."

How did you find the group of people you were with and the local people you met?

"The group of people I was with was really great. There were 12 women and two men, all between the ages of 21 and 76, and everyone got on with each other really well. People looked out for one another and stuck together the whole time, which made it really enjoyable and made us all feel safe. Some people, like me, were fundraising, and some were just on holiday! It was so lovely as we all got along straight away, and the locals were really friendly and couldn’t do enough for us."

What were the highlights or the most memorable moments of the trip?

"The highlights for me were definitely the amazing sights in the jungle, like the statues, the ruins, and just the incredible scenery everywhere. But honestly, what made it really special was the people I was with. I can honestly say that without them it would have been quite hard to get through, as they were a constant source of support – helping me across difficult parts of the path and keeping everyone going with the endless humour needed to get through long, hot hours of walking and the very basic facilities. They just made the whole experience even more fun and memorable.”

Looking back on the whole trip, how would you sum up the experience?

“Looking back, the whole trip was amazing. There were definitely some challenges along the way, like the weather conditions and the sleeping arrangements, but the highlights, and the feeling when I crossed the finish line, made it all so worth it. The incredible sights and the people I was with made the whole experience so much fun and truly unforgettable. It feels incredible knowing that I’ve now raised over £8,000 for Promise Dreams through the trip, which makes the experience even more special and worthwhile.”

As Cheryl unwinds from her incredible journey, we are so amazed by what she has powered through and achieved. It has been so inspiring to follow her adventure across Cambodia and see the positive impact she’s made for Promise Dreams.

Cheryl, we couldn’t be more proud of you!

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