I am joining my big sis Denise on the Inca Trail Trek Challenge to raise funds for Adoption UK as they are a charity close to the heart of our family. I am part of an adoptive family being the proud Aunty to Denise's amazing son. They have found the support of Adoption UK invaluable over the last 15 years through signposting, assistance to access therapies, supporting with finding their way through getting the right support at school and simply connecting with other families who 'got it'.

Before joining their new families often adopted children have faced significant trauma which can lead to some challenges as they grow up and navigate life. At these times Adoption UK is there to listen, support and help families find their way through. Denise was so inspired by the support that she received she has run her own groups bringing adoptive families in Cornwall together.

As with many services Adoption UK are finding themselves facing cuts, which makes fundraising ventures such as ours all the more important to continue to provide this essential support.

I have dreamt of walking the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Pichu since my teens so this challenge seemed the perfect way of raising funds for this fantastic cause.

Your donations help Adoption UK to secure the right support at the right time for children and young people who are unable to grow up with their birth parents, from childhood into adulthood. Together we are family.