This October, I’ll finally be hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – something I’ve dreamed about since I was a teenager. I remember seeing a photo of Machu Picchu and thinking, “One day, I’m going to climb that mountain!” And now, that day is finally coming! 🥾⛰️

It’s 17 years since we lost our Mum to the devastating effects of mental illness. Mental health is therefore a cause that is incredibly close to my heart, and I’ve decided to use this challenge as an opportunity to raise money for Mind, helping support people who are struggling, as well as the friends and families who are there for them.

My Mum was also the person who inspired my love of languages and travel. She always wished she’d been able to travel more, and having lived in Spain, France, Belgium, Australia and New York, I completely understand why.

Travel has given me some of the most amazing and valuable experiences of my life. It opens your eyes to different countries, cultures, people and ways of life – and I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced so much of the world.

Dorset Mind is a local charity who has supported Dorset’s mental health for over 75 years. They connect and change minds, bringing people together to make genuine change within their communities.

The charity supports both adults and children by delivering life-changing services, including active monitoring and triage in Doctor’s surgeries, counselling, wellbeing groups, and mentoring.

So this October, as I walk the Inca Trail and finally stand at Machu Picchu, I’ll have my Mum in my thoughts. ❤️

I’m hoping to turn something I’ve dreamed about for years into an opportunity to raise money for a cause that means so much to me.

If you’d like to support me, any donation – big or small – would mean the world. ❤️

Thanks.

Tracey x