Myself and 2 very good friends in Northampton, have been speaking about trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu for the past 5 or 6 years and we finally decided that we would all do it together when the youngest one turned 50. Well that happened last July, so we booked it. One of the wonders of the world, is something special, so to be able to go and see it with 2 friends is extremely special for me. Jon, Johnny and myself leave these shores with a larger group of Global Adventure Trekkers on 10th May and after the flights and a day to acclimatise, we begin 4 hard days trekking through Peru on the Inca trail to Machu Pichu. We can't wait to get there.

Why am I raising funds for charity ?

We all agreed, that we should pay for the trip ourselves, as it is a bucket list activity for us, but also, it gives us the chance to maximise our fundraising. So any sponsorship money you give, goes directly to the charity. This trek is therefore being done In memory of Luciano Lazzeri, Scott Osbourne Russell and Anna Pardini.

Luciano's Story, My father

Born in 1929, in his teenage years he witnessed the war in Italy as his village went through the gothic line and the St Anna's massacre, where he lost many of his relatives including his nana Sophia.

He grew up to raise his family with Adele, having two sons, Graziano and Claudio and a few more grandchildren. Luciano passed away on 3rd October, 2014 and is greatly missed by family and friends.

My father in law Scott's Story, my Father in Law

Born in 1947, in Rhu, Scotland. Scott is the greatest man I have ever met. He was my father-in-law, but just a wonderful man. He raised his family with Maureen, having 2 sons and 2 daughters and spent much of his life in the Royal Navy as a submariner.

He passed away on 2006 at Cynthia Spencer, who looked after him extremely well. He is greatly missed by family and friends.

Anna's Story, My Mother Youngest sister

Born in 1944, Anna was the youngest victim of the St anna's massacre at the age of just 20 days along with her mother and her sister, Anna was the last child of my grandfather Federico and Bruna and they are all, greatly missed by us all.

In her honour, we shall lay a commemorative "CARDO" along our way from Cusco to Machu Picchu (local authorities permitting).

Anna's Cardo is a living representation of the journey Anna was unable to take and the idea of this came from the artist Gianni Moretti and over the years, 1000's of cardo's have been placed all over Italy by friends, relatives and school children.

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity

https://cynthiaspencer.org.uk/

RCN: 1174402

We provide specialist palliative care for people living with a life-limiting illness. We support patients, their families, and those who care for them across West Northamptonshire

At Cynthia Spencer Hospice we provide inpatient care, outpatient services, wellbeing services, Hospice@Home, lymphoedema services and palliative care services with a clinical nurse specialist service.

Our core team consists of specialist palliative medicine consultants who work alongside a team of doctors and specialist nurses within the Hospice and the local community. Our team also work within Northampton General Hospital and Danetre Hospital in Daventry.

Our clinical services are free thanks to the joint funding provided by the Northampton Integrated Care Board and the funds raised by supporters of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. 

That's it. Machu Pichu next stop.

I hope this story has touched you in the same way it touched me. You can really help other people improve their end of life and leaving cherished memories to us all, which are greatly loved

If you would like to help us to continue to support people , please make whatever donation you can.

Thank You

Claudio

If this inspires you to be adventurous, checkout the Global Adventure Challenges company we're using:- https://www.globaladventurechallenges.com/responsible-tourism