Doing the Inca trail has been a lifelong dream but my main motivator was to honour the memory of a wonderful friend, Hannah.

Hannah spent the last few years of her life involved with the charity 'Latin American Foundation for the Future' (LAFF). LAFF is a UK based charity who support marginalised children in Peru and the organisations that work with them to create independence and sustainability.

Hannah and I met at Junior school at the age of 11 and through fun, laughter and gossip, it did not take long for us to become great friends! Hannah was kind, generous, optimistic and friendly and she was popular with both peers and teachers.

Hannah and I jumped at every opportunity available to volunteer, whether it was for a charity fundraisor or to arrange the School Summer Fete. We shared a love of Spanish culture and she was key in convincing me to do GCSE Spanish with my A-levels, much to my parent's concern that this was not a medical school requirement!

Hannah studied French and Spanish at Durham University and first went out to Peru in 2005 to work as a volunteer coordinator for Madventurer. While out there, she became one of the first volunteers for LAFF, a charity founded by a close friend.

In 2008 Hannah was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and underwent treatment with great humility. She was hugely grateful for all of the care that she received and would particularly delight in telling friends that her Neurosurgeon was an advisor for the TV programme 'House'! She was however frustrated that this 'inconvenience' took her away from being able to help others less fortunate.

On her return to the UK, Hannah became a trustee of LAFF and took every opportunity to fundraise, including swimming the Channel while on chemotherapy. She also started working with VSO which was one of her dreams. Despite a long battle, Hannah sadly passed away in July 2010.

Hannah was incredibly selfless and one of those rare people who truly dedicate their time to others in all aspects of their life- her family, friends and career.

In going out to Cusco I hope to see a snapshot of what Hannah experienced and see some of the great work that LAFF do. Hannah was hugely passionate and dedicated to LAFF and I hope to continue her work by fundraising for them.

 

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