My story

**Update**

** I've just heard that the Machu Picchu trek has been cancelled due to there not being enough uptake, so I have transferred to another trek of similar difficulty. The new trek will be based around Dharamshala in India, and take me trekking around the Himalayas. I'll be trekking for around 7 hours a day across difficult and steep terrain. You can read the itinerary here: http://www.charitychallenge.com/pdf/D_L_Itinerary.pdf **

Thanks for your interest in Gem's little jaunt up Machu Picchu!

My chosen charity is the RSPCA - an organisation that has meant a lot to me since I was 5 (yep, 22 years ago now!) - when I joined the Animal Action Club and wrote them a very demanding letter asking them to save ALL the animals in the world! It's very difficult to imagine the world without the RSPCA in it - quite simply, the animal welfare in England and Wales (and arguably, worldwide) wouldn't be what it is now if the RSPCA hadn't started doing their thing nearly two hundred years ago. They've done so much to shape attitudes, improve animal welfare legislation and help on the front line of animal cruelty, it's impossible not to respect and admire their achievements. And without the support and donations of the public none of this could have happened!

This trip is a big "thank you" to the RSPCA for all they've done for the millions of animals that need them - and for the impact they have had on my life. I hope to raise a hefty wodge of cash for you to help further your work :-)

So, the trek itself... on arriving, and after a bit of acclimatisation to the altitude (hey, its elevation is 3.5km!) I will take part in two days of community project work in the Cusco/Sacred Valley area, before embarking on the four day trek up to Machu Picchu. I'll be on the Salkantay Route, travelling through the land of the ancient Incas, crossing passes up to 4.6km high through the Andes mountains - and onwards and upwards to Machu Picchu itself!

To keep up with the latest in my fundraising and training efforts, "like" my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gems-Jaunt/206898319378004

Or keep an eye on my blog: http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/social/blogs/machupicchu

Thanks so much for visiting my page - double thanks if you donated! My target is a daunting £3,500* so every little counts - even if you can only afford £1! And if you've got a moment, I'd be eternally grateful to anyone who shares this page on Facebook, Twitter or by email. :-)

*£1,725 of all money raised will go towards tour costs

My gallery 9

My Teams

My company

My charity

RSPCA (England and Wales)

RSPCA (England and Wales)

Charity Registration No. 219099

The RSPCA, the leading animal welfare charity. If you're raising money for an animal centre please email fundraisers_support@rspca.org.uk otherwise your money may go towards the RSPCA in England and Wales. Money is not redistributed to the branch, please select the branch from the charity listing.

Donations 102

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Dads loose change again, well done Gem, you did it! We're very proud of you. xxx

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 20/12/12

£10.10

+ £2.53 Gift Aid

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Thank You very much to Claire Rose and friends for sponsoring Gemma, well done xx

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 08/12/12

£110.00

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Thank You very much to Kevin & Audrey James in the Bahamas. Gemma survived and enjoyed the trek xx

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 08/12/12

£50.00

Donation from Rosie & Mick Croker - thank you!

Donation by Gemma Smith on 03/12/12

£20.00

Donation by ciaran croker on 29/11/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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So proud of you! What an amazing thing you are doing :) Can't wait to hear all about it. Love Sian xx

Donation by Sian Diamond on 15/11/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Didnt like that odd 13p Gem! Have a safe journey tomorrow and enjoy every minute, text us if you can. Love Mum & Dad xxx

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 14/11/12

£14.77

+ £3.69 Gift Aid

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Good luck young lady. Pass on my regards to the Dalai Lama if you see him passing by.

Donation by Andy Robbins on 14/11/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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I am donating this money in loving memory of my dear friend Annie Mabel High aged 106 who recently passed away.

Donation by sarita diamond on 14/11/12

£20.00

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Good luck on this trek and congrats in exceeding your target. the RSPCA needs every penny to help with it's viatl work. Go Gemma!

Donation by Tony Woodley on 09/11/12

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You've worked hard for this Gemma hope all goes well. Paula, Hannah and Olivia xx

Donation by paula jarvis on 08/11/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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I hope this trip is everything you wish for and more.

Donation by James Thomas on 06/11/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Wish you all the best Luck!:) Enjoy and well done!!

Donation by Nicola Cowles on 02/11/12

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Best of luck. Look out for Yaks and Yetis!

Donation by Jody Gordon on 23/10/12

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Donation by Nick Brock on 22/10/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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Sort of wish I was coming with you. Not quite as fit as I use to be though!

Donation by JULIANA MELIA on 15/10/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck Gemma, all your training will be worth it in the end. Lots of |Love from Pat and Sarita Diamond

Donation by Pat Diamond on 15/10/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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From our loose change! Not long to go now Gem. Love Mum & Dad xx

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 09/08/12

£11.00

+ £2.75 Gift Aid

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Well done Charlotte you did really well with guess how many sweets in the jar. Thank you very very much. xx

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 28/07/12

£50.00

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Donation on behalf of Enid May, thanks very much for your support.

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 15/07/12

£15.00

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Good luck!

Donation by Laura Leegood on 03/07/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck Gemma! From David @ Mavens

Donation by David Hughes on 02/07/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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A big thank you to Claire & Kevin and all who helped and donated to their car boot sale at Melksham today. xx

Donation by Marilyn Smith on 17/06/12

£121.00

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Good Luck on your challenge, What a fantastic cause.

Donation by Lee Whitcombe on 09/05/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Just found your facebook page for this so will "like" any second now!! Good luck Gemma, say hi to Karl and Susan if they ever kiss and make up!!

Donation by Vicky, Antz, Noah and Eliza xxxx on 02/05/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£4,224.40
  • Offline donations£228.60
  • Text donations£7.00
  • Total raised£4,460.00
  • Gift Aid£475.36

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.