An adventurous Teignbridge twosome is preparing to trek the world-famous Inca Trail to raise funds for Rowcroft Hospice.
Lorraine Youdle, 59-years-old from Kingsteignton, and Chloe Mawson, 63-years-old from Dawlish Water, decided to take on the challenge with two friends to celebrate their 60th birthdays.
The pair will travel to Cusco in Peru to begin the trek on Saturday 5 August.
They will begin the Inca Trail to the world’s most important archaeological find, Machu Picchu, at 3,300m altitude and trek for five days – all to raise funds for people living with life-limiting illnesses in South Devon.
Chloe explained: “Lorraine’s mum passed away in Rowcroft in 2005, my Dad also benefitted greatly from hospice care, and I’ve lost my Mum and partner since signing up for the challenge so part of my motivation is to complete it in their memory. We also both have friends who have come to the end of their lives in Rowcroft and also friends who work, or have worked there.
She added: “As Learning Disability nurses, we have also worked closely with Rowcroft staff in supporting numerous vulnerable people towards the end of their lives. We have no doubts about the amazing work done there.”
To prepare, the adventurous fundraisers have been walking, walking and walking, explained Lorraine: “We’ve been doing further, longer and higher walks, breaking in new boots, adapting to walking poles and carrying heavy rucksacks with two litres of water.
“We are most nervous about altitude sickness, the three flights we must take to get there and trekking for five days when we are tired and exhausted!”
While training, Lorraine and Chloe have also been raising funds for Rowcroft, their total currently stands at £3,505.59.
Chloe explained: “We’ve organised coffee mornings, cake bakes, barbeques, raffles, a cocktail night, ploughman’s evening, craft and produce sales, set up Just Giving pages and done many, many bucket collections!”
Lorraine added: “The whole experience of fundraising has been amazing, particularly because of people’s kindness and generosity. It is touching to hear people’s stories and experiences. Never did we hear a negative comment about Rowcroft. Everyone knew of and appreciated the hospice, its cause, and fantastic work; they would often go out of their way to donate.”
Rowcroft has a portfolio of challenge events available for extreme fundraisers, including skydive days, mountain treks and an Arctic survival challenge.
The hospice is also able to support people such as Chloe and Lorraine with independent fundraising challenges.
Community Fundraising Manager, Rosey Oakes, explained: “We know that many fundraisers are looking to take on activities that push their physical, mental and fundraising efforts to the limits!
“For those people we have a number of unique challenges available, or can offer them fundraising support for their own expeditions.”
To view Rowcroft’s full selection of extreme UK and overseas fundraising challenges visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk or for more information email Community Fundraising Manager Rosey Oakes rosey.oakes@rowcroft-hospice.org.uk.
[do_widget id=text-36]
Return to our home page for more local news here.
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon. Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share? Contact us
