Charity Challenge (020-8557 0000; www.charity challenge.com) is an umbrella organisation for a number of causes. It is offering the chance to complete a 17-day trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal to raise money for Diabetes UK (020-7424 1000; www.diabetes.org.uk). The trip takes place from 14 October until 30 October and minimum sponsorship of pounds 2,650 is required. This includes flights, accommodation and meals.

Mencap (020-7454 0454; www.mencap.org.uk) is the UK's leading learning disabilities charity. It is offering a cycling trip along the banks of the River Nile, covering 250 miles (410km) over a week in February 2006. The minimum sponsorship is pounds 2,250 per person, which includes flights, accommodation, meals, refreshments, a guide and bike hire. There is also a registration fee of pounds 250.

The Anthony Nolan Trust (01555 660 388; www.anthonynolan.org.uk) was set up to recruit bone-marrow donors for those suffering from leukaemia and similar illnesses. It is offering a 10-day bike ride across New Zealand's South Island, departing on 15 October 2005. The minimum sponsorship of pounds 3,150 includes flights, accommodation and some meals. There is also an additional non-refundable contribution of pounds 300.

Scope (020-7619 7288; www.scope.org.uk) offers assistance to people with cerebral palsy. To help raise money, it has a Trek Namibia challenge " a 10-day tour of the Namib Desert, departing 16 September 2006. The pounds 2,600 sponsorship includes flights, accommodation and meals. There is a registration fee of pounds 199.

One of Europe's largest information and support charities, CancerBACUP aims to help those living with cancer and providing information and support for patients, their families and their carers. Between 26 and 29 January 2006 it is holding the Milky Way Ski challenge, which aims to conquer all the pistes of the Milky Way ski region on the French/Italian border. Skiers and boarders of intermediate or advanced level are welcome. There is a minimum sponsorship of pounds 1,250, which includes flights, full-board accommodation, transfers, guides, ski passes and ski hire. Plus there is an administration fee of pounds 100. For further details contact Peter Coppola (020-7920 7212; www.cancerbacup.org.uk).