Back to the Inca Trail, 21 Years On

This year marks 30 years since we lost my beautiful 18-year-old little sister Jeanette (Jinny) to bone cancer. It also marks 21 years since I beat thyroid cancer myself and took on my very first fundraising challenge: trekking the Inca Trail in Peru for Macmillan.

Now, in October, I’m going back.

I’ll be lacing up my boots again and tackling that same gruelling trail, but this time, I’m doing it for St Teresa’s Hospice, whose work has touched so many lives here in our community. They provide free counselling, complementary therapies, and specialist end-of-life care to people facing cancer and other life-limiting illnesses — care that is only possible because of public support.

St Teresa’s doesn’t work in isolation. They have a strong and ongoing partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, with Macmillan teams regularly referring patients and families to the Hospice for help that goes far beyond medical treatment — emotional support, a listening ear, a moment of peace. So by raising money for St Teresa’s, I’ll also be supporting the wider Macmillan network that’s been at the heart of everything I’ve done since losing Jinny.

Jinny died within a year of diagnosis. She was just 18 and the bravest, most inspiring person I have ever known. Her battle with cancer changed my life forever and made me want to do something meaningful with my grief — to turn pain into purpose.

When I was diagnosed with cancer myself in 2003, it felt like life had come full circle. I had two young children, a family still reeling from the loss of Jinny and my Dad, and I was terrified. But with the support of Macmillan, and my family and friends, I got through it. I found strength I didn’t know I had — and ever since, I’ve been using that strength to help others.

Over the years I've ran, hiked and cycled all over the world, always in memory of Jinny, and always with Macmillan in my heart. I was even awarded a British Empire Medal for my voluntary work — something I still can’t quite believe!

Now, life is busy. I work in the charity sector, support others facing tough journeys of their own, and I’ve had a few health reminders recently that I’m not quite 36 anymore! But going back to the Inca Trail feels right. It feels like closing a circle — honouring the past, celebrating survival, and giving something back to our local community.

So I’m asking for your support.

Every penny raised will go to St Teresa’s Hospice — to help make sure local families facing cancer and other life-limiting illnesses get the care, dignity, and compassion they deserve. Care that’s free, expert, and local — whether that’s in the Hospice or in someone’s own home.

My fundraising target is £2,000, and every donation will help keep that vital support going.

Please help if you can. Share, donate, send good vibes – it all means the world.

This challenge is for everyone we’ve loved and lost, for everyone still fighting, and especially for my amazing little sister Jinny.

Thank you so much.

Michelle x

In memory of Jinny, Dad, Aunty Dolly, Uncle Dave, Uncle Mike, Uncle Brendan, Uncle John, Grandma and Arthur x x x x x x