I'm going to be trekking to Machu Picchu in March 2019 in memory of my remarkable and very gentle Mom and to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK).  I'm a bit overwhelmed and not sure at the moment if my ageing body with it's many injuries, aches and pain will survive the trek - BUT - it can't be as bad as the pain and suffering that my Mum went through a few years ago, before and after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

My adventure will take place over ten days with four days trekking and camping on the Inca trail. Did I tell you that I've never camped before? Will it be en suite? I've never slept in a sleeping bag?  And I have to carry everything!  What's the mule going to be carrying? 

I'm only used to walking in flat country so definitely need to get in training with some hill walking and made my first walk around Box Hill a couple of weeks ago – I've got a way to go to be fit enough for my trek.

You can read more about my Mum's story and why I'm passionate about supporting PCUK on my original JustGiving page. In short, Mum had pains in her chest, like indigestion, and made an appointment to see a doctor.  Two days later she was yellow and told she had jaundice. She was sent immediately for tests and within a few weeks her diagnosis was made.  From the horror stories I have heard, she was lucky to be diagnosed so quickly.  (PCUK's current Demand Faster Treatment campaign is fighting for patients with pancreatic cancer to be treated within 20 days.  Follow the link to sign the petition.) 

But the medical team at the  local hospital didn't tell her how sick she was or offer her any treatment. The specialist nurses manning PCUK's helpline gave me all the information that I needed but I couldn't get the NHS medical team to listen to me when I asked questions based on the information I had been given. 

She was gone just five months later.

I miss her

 - terribly.

PCUK are working hard to address problems of late diagnosis; the horror of patients not being offered treatment; and are producing information for patients and making sure that GPs are given the information they need. The specialist nurses on the helpline are a godsend to the newly diagnosed and their loved ones. I remain ever grateful to Jeni on the helpline for her patience with me when I ranted, cried and asked her to repeat herself because I was so distraught I couldn't take in the reality of what was happening.  

What would Mum think about my trek next year? She would giggle and say "trust you to be doing something like that" and she would become completely immersed in my training and preparations for my trip. She totally believed in me - “you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it”. She remains my inspiration and I shall think of her with every step.

I'm self funding this trip so that all donations made to this page will go directly to PCUK.  

Please join with me and support PCUK to save somebody else's loved one.  Together we can help PCUK continue its work in raising awareness, funding research and campaigning and changing policy.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and for your generous support.   Keep checking back for updates.

Susie

PS Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.