A local children’s charity is calling on the people of Grampian to join its team as they plan to embark on a tough 10-day trip, which will see the group negotiate the world-famous trail to the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru. The trip of a lifetime will see the group raise vital funds for a North-east specialist support centre for babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions.
The guided 5-day trek, which is classed as tough and at very high altitude, will see the 35-strong team negotiate difficult terrain as they trek through Peru to reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. The trek follows the uncrowded Lares Valley route, surrounded by spectacular mountains, raging rivers, local wildlife including llama and alpaca, hot springs and remote mountain communities. The Charlie House Ascends Machu Picchu (CHAMP) team will raise money which will fund the cost of one child’s bedroom in a new specialist support centre, which the charity is planning to build on ground at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen.
Charlie House, whose headquarters are in Albyn Place, supports babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions in the North-east of Scotland.
Susan Crighton, director of fundraising at Charlie House, says, “As a charity we are always looking at adventurous challenges to keep our fundraisers excited and engaged. The lost city of Machu Picchu is definitely one of those ‘bucket list’ trips which many people hope to do one day. We are thrilled to be able to offer this trip to an exclusive group of just 35 people. We have already filled 22 spaces and look forward to welcoming the final 13 intrepid adventurers to join us!”
Bruce Ferguson, managing director of Hunting Energy and sponsor of the final day of the trek, says, “We are thrilled to support Charlie House with this trip of a lifetime. The trek is a commitment, both physically and from a fundraising perspective, but the reward when the team reach the Sun Gate on the final day will be worth its weight in gold. We were so happy to support this trip as I know the fantastic work the charity currently carries out and their impressive plans for their much-needed specialist support centre right here in the city.”
Tracy Johnstone, chair of Charlie House and CHAMP trip attendee, says, “Walking through the Sun Gate to witness Machu Picchu for the first time will be one of those moments which will live with you forever. Couple that with knowing that the funds you are raising will go on to pay for the cost of a bedroom for a child with life-limiting conditions to have a supported short break is priceless.”
Tracy concludes, “At Charlie House our dream has always been to have a purpose-built specialist support centre in Aberdeen to provide planned short breaks which will enable families to have fun, enjoy quality time together and ultimately make lasting memories. The centre will also provide emergency breaks, palliative and end-of-life care for children, and we are working hard on those plans to turn this dream into a reality.”
To find out more about the 2019 CHAMP challenge, including full itinerary, fundraising options and costings, please email fundraise@charliehouse.org.uk or call 01224 313333.
