Firstly I am raising money for two of my great passions - Gilnahirk Primary School has been at the centre of my life for over 30 years and I want to use my hike in Peru to raise funds for outdoor equipment that can help all of our children flourish even more. The second is in memory of my mum who passed away a few years ago from cancer. Mum was a huge fan and supporter of Gilnahirk PS for many years and indeed, she worked as a classroom assistant for a few years when she retired from QUB.

Roger, my husband, before the COVID19 pandemic took on 2 amazing hiking challenges, including hiking up Mount Killymanjaro, so I decided it is now time to join him! So on 12th August, we head off to Peru for a 16 day trip with 12 days hiking through the Andes Mountains, ending up at Machu Picchu. Each days hike is somewhere between 6 and 10 hours, with most of it at high altitude between 3,000m and 4,600m. So all in all for a 53 year old teacher who has only taken up hiking in the last year or two, it feels like I may be taking on quite a challenge!!! I do however know that, when things get tough (which I know they will), I will be able to think about the joy that the play equipment will bring to the children and that will motivate me to keep walking!!!