This whole journey began on September 11th 2010 - which has different meanings for lots of people but for me it was because I was at a conference with some good friends and one of them dropped a bombshell that she had cancer and things weren't looking good.

One of the speakers that day was from Macmillan and she told us how 'Joe Public' could make a difference - talk about timing.  I think we were all in tears listening to the talk and thinking of our lovely friend.

I knew there and then that I wanted to do something to help and make a difference.  Being completely useless to help my friend on the emotional side, I looked for inspiration on the Macmillan website and found the answer.

I signed up to raise funds and do something I would never have dreamed of, which will push me to my limits physically and mentally - I'm going to walk the Inca Trail in Peru, staying in 2 man tents and yuk! no showers or toilets!!

There's a lot more to it than just the enjoyment of the hike. It isn't a holiday as some people have rather thoughtlessly said to me.  I'm undergoing a strict training programme, fundraising to reach the target I set myself of £5k and trying to come to terms with the fact that I am doing this on my own (I don't know any of the other people taking part and none are from the North East of England so I can't meet up with them for a chat), having to leave my lovely Hubby and new puppy for 12 days!

I know all the hard work will be worth it - the money that I raise may not go directly to fund the actual care that my friend needs, but it will go to support the overall Macmillan ethos - to make a difference to the lives of people living with cancer in the UK, providing a range of specialist services designed to make the lives of cancer patients and their families easier.

Thankyou for reading this and I hope you will continue to support me by donating and helping me to reach my target for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Julie