Hello, my name is Kate Gough, and I’m walking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in honour of my little girls, Mia and Clara. Sadly, we lost our girls at 19 weeks gestation due to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a rare pregnancy condition affecting identical twins or other multiples.

Throughout this loss and during subsequent pregnancies, the bereavement counselling and support from SPRING were invaluable to me.

I always promised myself that I would give back to SPRING and complete a challenge that would make Mia and Clara proud of their mum. I know they will when I look at the majestic views of Machu Picchu.

The trek to Machu Picchu follows a spectacular trail surrounded by the snow-capped Andean mountains, remote mountain communities, flowing rivers, and tropical forests. The hike is slow so that I and other adventurers can acclimate to the altitude — the ancient Inca city is 2,430 m (about the length of 102 tennis courts) above sea level — and soak up the stunning sights.

The trek will be challenging but rewarding. Even though I’ll be 4,000 miles away, my family and kids at home will cheer me on the whole way!

Donating to my JustGiving fundraiser is a way of helping families and relatives through the worst possible time in their lives.

By providing even a small donation, you are helping SPRING offer free support to families like mine and others affected by pregnancy loss, no matter how long ago.

About SPRING

SPRING, which is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, provides support to parents and relatives who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at, or just after birth. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth and termination for foetal abnormality.

Since its establishment in 1998, SPRING has evolved to help many families and friends through such devastating times. The service works closely with medical professionals to provide a high level of care to bereaved families alongside regular NHS services.

SPRING also supports and offers care through subsequent pregnancies, providing a genuine understanding of the concerns that can be experienced during this period.