Welcome to my fundraising page!

UPDATE:  15th September

Mission accomplished!

5th September

Way back in January, when I decided to take on this challenge, I knew it was two-fold.  At that time, and for much of the year, I didn't allow myself to imagine what it would be like to land in Peru, to step foot on the Inca Trail or to arrive at the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. I couldn't see that far ahead for another, metaphorical, mountain blocking my view. My fundraising target of £2750 loomed above me and from where I was standing, it seemed like it was going to be a hard climb to the top.

Today, three days before I'm due to fly to Lima, the sleepless nights spent obsessing about how I was ever going to raise that kind of money seem a long way off! Although my fundraising mountain at first presented a pretty steep ascent, I have ended up raising more money that I could ever have hoped. So much so that I can now look to the second, decidedly more physical part of my challenge.

I am very excited about what lies ahead and feel extremely proud and very privileged to be embarking on this trip holding my yellow daffodil aloft in honour of an organisation that has come to mean so much to me over this past year and in memory of my dear Dad, Sinclair Bain. 

I am only able to do this through your generous donations and support and for this, I truly thank you.

Helen x

Until the next update, I leave you with this reminder:

From 8th - 17th September 2006 I intend to travel to Peru to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as part of a team of charity fundraisers and in memory of my Dad who recently died of cancer.

The trek promises to be a test of physical endurance but my main challenge, and indeed the real aim of the game, lies in raising as much money as possible for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

I am in awe of the superb team at the Marie Curie hospice in Edinburgh, who not only did everything possible to allow my Dad three comfortable and peaceful weeks at the end of his life but also provided much needed support to our whole family. Inspired by them, I now want to show my gratitude and to do whatever I can to ensure that this dedicated organisation, whose funding for research and care relies entirely on charitable contributions, can continue its admirable and essential work in helping all those affected by cancer.

               Please help me by sponsoring me online today!

Wherever you are in the world, you can donate now through this simple, fast and secure site. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Marie Curie Cancer Care will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you but at enormous benefit to Marie Curie. 

Many thanks for your support - every penny really does make a difference.

Helen