My first physio appointment is this Friday to try and find out why my knees lock up when I go down steep inclines – not an auspicious start to my Borneo for Breast Cancer Training Regime! But this is what happens when your commitment to raising funds for the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation collides with a long held love of animals.

To explain, about 12 months ago I was asked would I like to lead the FMCF’s latest fundraising venture – a trek for up to 16 people in Borneo. Participants would undertake to raise funds for the FMFC prior to their departure on an eco-tourism trek in the rainforest home of endangered orangutans. They’re the wild cousins of the magnificent creatures we can only otherwise see at the wonderful Adelaide Zoo South East Asian habitat. What could I possibly say but “Yes please”?

So in 13 weeks time, 13 intrepid women, one very brave bloke and I will be flying off for a 9 day inspirational trip to Borneo. We’ll be trekking into the jungle in pursuit of wild orangutans. Our guide will be a local Iban tribesperson who will teach us how to spot these magnificent creatures in the wild, age their nests and appreciate the endangered and fabulously diverse ecosystem in which they live. Along the way we’ll also get to meet other Iban people, stay in a couple of their traditional long houses and visit an orangutan sanctuary which rehabilitates confiscated and surrendered orangs for their eventual return to the wild.

Before we set off though, there’s plenty of work to be done. Participants need to not only raise the funds for their donation to the Foundation (about $3000 each), but also get themselves fit enough to enjoy the three days of jungle trekking.

Hence my visit to the physio. I’ve started my “training regime” in the hills and discovered that my 52 year old knees, having previously given nothing but sturdy service, are objecting to prolonged downhill walking. Here’s hoping we can resolve the problem quickly, otherwise I may find myself trailing behind rather than leading my fellow trekkers!

For those of you interested in following this adventure, I’ll keep you posted each week on our progress as we all prepare for what promises to be a wonderful trip. I’ll also let you know about some of the fundraising activities you might like to help our group with.

The first of these is a Quiz Night with yours truly as MC – details are here We’d love to see you there.

There’s also my own fund raising page at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/jane_doyle . If you’d like to make a donation. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

In the meantime, here’s what we look like before the trek. Most of us gathered at a local Malaysian restaurant for a get to know you dinner last month. Isn’t Kevin, our lone male, a lucky bloke to be going away with 14 such stunning women? (Including his lovely partner Annie!)