This trek is about two things!

Firstly and most importantly it's about supporting a great cause - St. Giles Hospice.

St. Giles is well known to many in the Midlands for its care of people with cancer and terminal illnesses. Their services and care have been an important help to many people I know and no doubt many thousands I don't. Our family has been touched by cancer in a few ways and although St Giles was not an option, I know their care would have been there if needed.

Secondly, I'm not fit and haven't been for a while. This is a personal motivation for me to lose weight, and in particular 5 stones, and have a more healthy existence for me and my family.

The two go hand in hand and represent quite a mighty personal challenge.

The trek covers some very difficult terrain from Cuzco in Peru to Machu Picchu, the world heritage inca city, some 50 miles away. Acclimatisation is key as the trek involves crossing three mountain passes up to 4,200 metres (13,800ft) which is higher than both the Jungfrau and Eiger mountains in Switzerland and nearly 4 times as high as Snowdon!,

Much of the trek is made up of steps rather than paths, several thousand in fact, several hundred years old linking a string of ancient Inca settlements. There are no hotels along the way. Just campsites and basic facilities.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St Giles Hospice gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!