In May 2009, I entered into the challenge of a lifetime by participating in the:

Machu Picchu Inca Trail Challenge

This 10 day trip incorporated 3 ½ days of travel time, 2 ½ days to acclimatise to the altitude and 4 days of trekking across 42 km of mountain ranges at up to 14,000 ft in altitude to view the Inca Trail ruins of Machu Picchu.

This challenge began with raising at £2,885 for The Blue Cross (’s Animal Welfare Charity) in order to participate and cover the Blue Cross’ costs in getting me there.

But the biggest challenge of all for me is the fact that only 5 months previous to undertaking this trek, I was diagnosed with Lipo-Lymphoedema, a rare condition which affects both my arms and legs and the lymphatic system.  It results in all four limbs holding more weight than necessary as the lymph fluid is not traversing its usual course through the body.  It also makes my legs severely sore at times and also now means that I need to wear compression tights at least 5 days a week for the remainder of my days.

So completing this challenge meant the world to me, both in completing it for myself and on behalf of all other suffers of Lymphoedema, Lipoedema and Lipo‑Lymphoedema.

The trip proved to be the ultimate challenge of my life including giving birth to 3 children!!!  Many tears, many many sore joints and muscles, but looking back, I made friends for life, proved that it could be done and I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.  An amazingly moving experience and one I would recommend to everyone who wishes to give it a go.