I know it is hard to believe as I have never been the most active of people, but I have decided in August 2015 to go to Peru and trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This will all be in aid of raising money for Worldwide Cancer Research. 

My main reason for deciding to do this challenge is to raise important funds for a cancer charity.  It is now expected that cancer will affect 1 in 2 of us during our lifetime, which is why we need to raise as much money as possible now to prevent this disease controlling the next generations future. 

I have previously lost family members to cancer and I have known others suffering with the disease, but until this year I did not really understand what it was truly like to have my closest family member experience the awfulness which is cancer. It has made me feel determined to do all that I can to raise money and awareness in order to find a cure, so that other families do not have to experience the 'out of control' and uncertainty that it brings. 

This is why in August 2015 I will be jetting off to Peru to climb up to 4650m to raise money. It will be an incredible experience where I will be able to trek along the Andes experiencing everything from the Humantay glacier to vast coffee plantations to the deep jungle. The highlight being the pitch black, early morning walk up to Machu Picchu in time for sunrise (and the long hot shower at the end of the 10 day trek!!!)

As many of you know I have had numerous problems with my left hip since I was born and recently underwent serious surgery in 2013. I am still experiencing post-operative problems, however I felt this opportunity is one I could not turn down and I refuse to let my hip problems hold me back from achieving my goals.

So at the end of my challenge I may have a very sore hip, be covered in blisters and smell absolutely disgusting but I will hopefully have achieved raising money for an amazing cause and taking part in a trip which I will never forget. 

I have set myself a very difficult but meaningful challenge which with your support I know that I can achieve!

This is my very small contribution to help find more treatments & cures.

I am doing this trek in memory of my remarkable and inspirational Great Aunty, Mary Barber, who was unfairly taken from us far too soon and in support of my Mum, who is currently being so positive and so fearless in not letting cancer get the better of her!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

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