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This August, Andrew and Debbie will be taking on the legendary 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, alongside 12 others, to raise vital funds for Transform Lives in Ghana – Akwaaba Volunteers.

This is a challenge Debbie had planned to do after completing her doctorate in 2019 — but, as it often does, life took over. Now, a few years later, we are finally doing it. We are honestly terrified and excited in equal measure!

The trek is no small feat: 26 miles of demanding Andean mountain terrain, thousands of steep ancient stone steps, freezing temperatures, basic camping, and a climb to 4,215 metres at Dead Woman’s Pass. It will push us physically and mentally, but every step will be worth it.

We are doing this for a charity very close to our hearts. Akwaaba Volunteers was founded in 2016 by Jordan Palmer and King Boateng to create opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people in Ghana through health, education, and sport. Their projects are based in Labadi, Accra, where they work closely with the local community to create sustainable change, alleviate poverty, and help children build brighter futures.

We first met Jordan and King when Jordan came to work at our local gym for a year to raise extra money for their projects. Jordan’s mum is also a great friend from the gym. Through them, we learned more about Akwaaba’s incredible work, and we were truly blown away by the impact this small charity is having in Ghana. Our gym community has regularly supported them by donating sports shoes and raising funds, visiting and volunteering, and now we want to do our bit too.

In Ghana, millions of children live in poverty, many children in Accra are out of school, and thousands are living on the streets. Akwaaba Volunteers believes every child deserves happiness, respect, opportunity, and the right to dream. Their work helps provide education, healthcare, vocational training, school meals, sports opportunities, and long-term support for children and families who need it most.

Your donation, whatever the amount, will make a real difference:

£10 can provide a week of school meals for one child

£15 can sponsor a child’s monthly education

£30 can support one girl in vocational training

£50 can provide 70 children with health insurance

£100 can give one child a free education for a year

Any small donation will also help with the ongoing running costs of the charity, allowing Akwaaba Volunteers to continue reaching more children and young people.

Learn more about about Akwaaba Volunteers here: https://akwaabavolunteers.org.uk/transform-lives-in-ghana/

We know this trek will be tough. The altitude, the cold, the climbs, and the exhaustion will all be a huge challenge, but knowing that we have your support behind us will keep us moving forward, one step at a time, all the way to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

Please sponsor us if you can. No donation is too small, and every pound will help transform lives in Ghana.

Thank you so much for your kindness, encouragement, and support.

With love and gratitude

Debbie and Andrew

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