Story
<p>I, Emma McLaughlin, am taking part in a challenge in aid of <a title="NICFC" href="http://nicfc.com/">Northern Irelands Cancer Fund for Children</a> (NICFC). This charity offers practical, emotional and financial support to children and young people up to and including the age of 24, who are living with cancer, and their families.<br><br>Three children are diagnosed with cancer every week in Northern Ireland, leaving three more families to cope with a level of devastation that is almost impossible for most of us to comprehend.<br><br>For more information on the charity, please visit: <a href="http://www.nicfc.com">www.nicfc.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">Infomation on my Challenge:</span><br></strong></span> I will be carrying out an intense trek over the high Andes of Peru to Machu Picchu at the Altitude of 13779 feet above sea level (4200 masl)! At such a hight, temperatures drop drastically!</p>
<p>This will take place in May ‘12 </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #ff9900;"><strong>Challenges I will come across...</strong></span><br>Treking up/down steep slopes;<br>Altitude - 13,779 feet;<br>Risk of Altitude Sickness;<br>Weather dropping to below freezing point at night (camping in tents);<br>Trekking over remote areas ;<br>No electricity or running water;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did I mention i have a fear of heights?!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">Training</span></strong><br>In order to complete the Inca Trail, I need to have an excellent level of fitness aswell as acclimatize to the high altitude once i get there.</p>
<p>Therefore, a lot of training will be required before I depart. This includes a strict 14 week training schedule consisting of lengthily hikes midweek as an addition to personal training. Where the weekends require 8 hour hikes each day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p><br>Please sponsor me in this great cause and support the children of Northern Ireland.</p>
<p><br>Thanks<br>Emma<br><a href="mailto:emmamcalughlin@gmail.com">emmamcalughlin@gmail.com</a></p>