Julia's House supporters raise thousands by trekking Machu Picchu
A team of 20 have taken on the epic challenge for the children's hospice
A group of Julia's House children's hospice supporters have raised £60,000 for the charity, by trekking the incredible Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in Peru.
Twenty people took on the five-day challenge, including family members of young people who have had care at the Wiltshire and Dorset sites.
Julia’s House Director of Care, Claire Hudson-Cooper was a part of the team.
She was joined by Trustee and Parent Ambassador, Justin Kline, who took on the challenge in memory of his daughter Sophie, who died from a brain tumour at just eight years old.
Reflecting on the trip, Justin said:
“It was physically and emotionally tough. I’m really proud and humbled to have been a part of such an amazing team – everyone supported each other in so many ways. It was a personal achievement to reach the Salkantay Pass at 4600 metres, something I wasn’t sure I could do due to the altitude.
“Machu Picchu was simply breath-taking. I’m proud to have completed the trek in memory of my daughter Sophie, who was cared for by the nurses at Julia’s House.”
Events Assistant at the charity, Isobel Langrish, who headed up the team, said,
“The whole place was just magical and it still doesn’t feel real that we’ve been there. I think the whole group agreed that the trek was one of the hardest things that we have ever done but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences and the most beautiful place to visit. The views were incredible and we hardly saw anyone apart from Incas, mules and the occasional fellow trekker.
“We were very lucky to get to experience Peru this way while also raising money for the families cared for by Julia’s House. It was a very special trip and I feel so proud of all the trekkers for having made it. It is something none of us will ever forget.”
The money raised will go towards the care that Julia's House provides for seriously ill and life-limited children in Dorset and Wiltshire.
That includes complex 24 hour care for medical conditions within their hospice sites, as well as outreach and respite care in families' homes and support for the parents and siblings of the children.
Julia’s House receives only 8% of its funding from Government and so relies on public donations and fundraising activities like this.
Other overseas physical challenges are planned for 2023.