Team treks to Machu Picchu in memory

“Finally after three years of waiting, we (Annette Barker, Jane Dixon, Fiona Jefferson and me, Beth Kirkham) made the charity trek to raise much needed funds for St. Leonard’s Hospice.

The trek was originally planned to be in 2020 to the Great Wall of China but roll on two years and another continent and we finally managed to complete this huge challenge and adventure in tribute to the lovely Faye Stevenson who was taken too early.

St. Leonard’s Hospice was there for Faye and her family in the final stage of her illness, and we wanted to give back to this amazing charity. We trained and trained for this adventure and were equally both apprehensive and excited about the challenge we faced.

Off at last

In October 2022 we set off for Peru, and can honestly say that the whole experience was epic. Walking the Salkantay trail was both mentally and physically challenging, reaching altitudes of 4,630m and experiencing snow blizzards one minute then sweltering heat the next.

From Cusco to Soraypampa; to the Andenes to Lucmabamba; then Llactapata, arriving in Aguas Calientes on the penultimate day exhausted – to rise the final day at dawn to begin the journey to Machu Picchu – every minute was breathtaking and exhilarating.

Even nights wild camping, with one night at -6° at the foot of a glacier; the next -5° still at an altitude of 3,000m; then in the depths of the rainforest. All these are experiences we feel blessed to have encountered. It was an amazing experience where we created lifelong friends, and we can’t wait for the next challenge.

We’re so grateful to everyone who sponsored and supported us in this adventure, and are delighted to have raised over £8,000 for such an amazing hospice”.