I, Emma McLaughlin, am taking part in a challenge in aid of Northern Irelands Cancer Fund for Children  (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.

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.

For more information on the charity, please visit: www.nicfc.com

Infomation on my Challenge:
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!

This will take place in May ‘12 

Challenges I will come across...
Treking up/down steep slopes;
Altitude - 13,779 feet;
Risk of Altitude Sickness;
Weather dropping to below freezing point at night (camping in tents);
Trekking over remote areas ;
No electricity or running water;

Did I mention i have a fear of heights?!

Training
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.

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.

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Please sponsor me in this great cause and support the children of Northern Ireland.

Thanks
Emma
emmamcalughlin@gmail.com