In September we (Mike, Ollie, Matilda & me) will be trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to continue to support Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in memory of Freya.

She would have been 25 on the 30th August, a curious adventurer, with a passion for seeing as much of the world as she possibly could. There are no words to express how much we ache for her, but we know (absolutely) that she would love this, love we are doing it together, and we are doing it in her memory. We will take every step for Freya, talk about her, and remember her with complete and utter love. It’s so shockingly unfair.

I am not sure how many young people keep journals, but Freya was an English student, she had a healthy obsession with mountains and beaches, bookshops, ripped jeans, ready to eat avocados, and green tea. She was the deepest thinker and rejoiced in the actual written word (and so many doodles). How wonderful this is for us. It’s good to know things and South America was on her list.

This trek has taken a while (Covid, availability and costs of flights, etc) but it is finally here, and we are pleased we can now do this together, for our beautiful Freya.

If you feel you can then thank you for supporting CRY. Never any pressure – our friends have wrapped us up for the last 5 and half years with so much love and support and this is yet another ask. I am not sure if we will ever stop asking.

Thank you.

Ali (on behalf of us all) x

3rd October 2023

We are back and so keen to thank our friends and family who supported us on our spectacular journey through the Andes to witness Machu Picchu. It was an experience that will stay with us all forever, taking our darling child with us, scattering some of her ashes at breath-taking Sun Gate, where we got our first glimpse of #machupicchu in the distance.

Thank you to the fantastic @CharityChallenge team who took us on the uncrowded Ancascocha trail, surrounded by the spectacular Andes mountains, raging rivers and remote mountain communities.

Our trek included tough (for me & Mike) high-altitude climbs, wild camping, in all sorts of weather, reaching a height of 4550m on day 2 at the Chi Chasqasa Pass from the Chilipahua Camp at 3750m, descending to the Camicancha Camp on day 3, and then onwards past the ruins of #wiñaywayna towards Sun Gate - the gateway to Maccu Picchu. We spent the most beautiful, reflective days, never meeting other trekkers, except our porters - wearing sandals, with their sure-footed ponies, carrying huge bags, containing the entire campsite (who then set up our tents and cooked delicious dinners for us. The shame).

With just 6 other trekkers and our three leaders, we experienced epic views, sometimes up and down (on what they call the 'Peruvian Flats'), but mostly upwards, with views of glacial, snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, numerous high passes, trekking through cloud forests, along (extremely) narrow ancient paths, rock tunnels, and stone stair wells. We encountered ancient Inca ruins, traditional Andean villages, and families tending to their daily lives. Along the way, feeling so sure it was the right thing to do for Freya and for CRY. Incredible, unforgettable. Ollie & Matilda loved it too.

Thank you to everyone who supported us. xxxxx

#incatrail #peru #hikingadventures #familyholiday #charitychallenge #thankyou #southamericasecrets #wiñaywayna #SunGate

About CRY

Cardiac Risk in the Young works to reduce the frequency of Young Sudden Cardiac Death. We develop and promote heart screening programmes across the country, funded by our supporters, as well as carry out medical research and distribute medical information written by leading cardiologists. We support young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offer bereavement support to those who have been affected by Young Sudden Cardiac Death.

Every week in the UK at least 12 fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. With the support of our incredible supporters, we aim to reduce this number and save young lives.

See how your support can help by visiting www.c-r-y.org.uk