By Anonymous
1 min read
Twenty-one Camp Simcha supporters have raised more than £80,000 from its first overseas challenge, a four-day Grand Canyon trek.
The group included two volunteers who work closely with seriously ill children that Camp Simcha assists and Hendon couple Anita and Benji Rietti, who turned to the charity when their daughter Batya was born with a serious heart condition nearly four years ago.
Batya defied medical predictions that she would not live beyond a few minutes, giving her parents 15 precious months with her. Mrs Rietti said the "awe-inspiring" challenge was an opportunity to give back to a charity that was always there for her family.
"Their team of incredible staff and tireless volunteers would stay with Batya in hospital, giving us time to run back home and tend to our other children. They acted as big brothers or sisters to her and to the others, be it to entertain them or be there with us at family retreat days, theatre trips and fun outings.
"I know that it was only with Camp Simcha by our side that we came through it."
The trekkers also included Israel-based Simon Levine, who was instrumental in organising the route.
