Hello, my name is Symrin and earlier this year I made a rash decision and signed to trek Machu Picchu, Peru! The trip will take 9 days from start to finish. This is by far the most challenging physical task I have ever set my mind to, however it is nowhere near as difficult as the suffering of those affected by cancer. For those of you that do not know me, I am shockingly unfit and am generally found in the corner of my room binge watching Netflix, so this is going to be an immense change of pace for me (person who gets out of breath climbing a flight of stairs and refers "gym" to; relaxing in the sauna and steam room). I have already had a handful of friends who have laughed at the prospect of me even hiking up a hill, but that just gave me more incentive to go ahead with this. 

When I first signed up, I thirsted for adventure and what better way than for this worthy cause. Until recently, I had been lucky and cancer hadn’t really touched my life. I later found that my journey had become far more personal when a close friend was diagnosed. No matter how gutted and lost I feel, that’s what’s on the table and even though I would switch places with her in a heartbeat, I know I can’t. At times, I have found myself lying awake at night, lost in my own thoughts, aching for rest and relief from my racing mind. This new threat is something I had never experienced and no words of wisdom can fix this. Initially, the news left me reeling but after I came to terms with it, I had a burning determination to raise more money with my trip, which now means so much more to me. Having gone through this emotional roller coaster, I knew I needed to find a purpose to redirect all the heartache and spiritual angst I was experiencing. I only have a few months to train and raise money for the climb, so I'm taking a leap of faith. By taking a healthy road to healing, I feel good that I am able to do something positive to change the lives of vulnerable people for the better. I strongly believe that positive things emerge from troubled times. Being ill has definitely made her braver – what is there to be scared of now?  With a life-threatening illness comes the need to protect your loved one, find any "cure" you can, Google until the letters on the keyboard fade, search for alternative treatments, never mind the cost if it guarantees that they will survive. I know just how many lives this horrible disease has turned upside down. That is why I choose to support Cancer Research UK with my trek in Peru. 

Unfortunately, most of us today have been unlucky enough to know someone affected by cancer. So if anyone feels like donating, or simply clicking share to raise support would go a long way. Any small amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated and make a big difference in improving future survival rates. Thank you in advance, and wish me luck, I’m certainly going to need it!!