Trek Machu Picchu – Amy and Ellie – Going on a Bear Hunt in Peru 

We spoke to intrepid adventurers, and friends, Amy and Ellie, who have signed up together to take part in next year’s Trek Machu Picchu with Dorothy House Hospice Care. They’ve made a great start on their fundraising and are both really looking forward to the big trip next April, and we asked them some of the big questions, so have a read of what they had to say. 

What was the main reason you wanted to sign up for Trek Machu Picchu?  

Ellie – My main reason for signing up was a combination of madness and midlife crisis! On a more serious note, it sounded like a once in a lifetime experience, and I’ve recently lost a few friends not much older than me and decided I needed to live life to the full. 

Amy – If I’m totally honest it was a rather spur of the moment decision. I have always wanted to travel & rarely made it out of the county let alone the country! I saw a flyer in my local Dorothy House charity shop, and I quickly sent a text to Ellie asking if she fancied a little adventure? She was in 100% in! Midlife crisis? Possibly. But if not now when?   

Do you have a connection to Dorothy House before taking part, if so, could you tell me a bit more about that?  

Ellie – I’ve not had a close connection to Dorothy House but since signing up and fundraising I have spoken to so many people that the charity has supported, a truly amazing organisation that has touch the lives of so many. I will continue to support after this adventure and would like to start volunteering too. 

Amy – When I first started working as a community carer I specialised in palliative care. This led me to working alongside Dorothy House nurses in many patient’s homes. The difference Dorothy House makes to end of life care is inexpressible. It can’t truly be appreciated until you have seen it. My father has terminal cancer and I know Dorothy House will do the very best to help him retain his dignity until the end, as well as supporting us as a family to keep strong & deal with everything that comes with it. 

How is your fundraising going so far?  

Ellie – Fundraising is going well, I think we are about £1000 in with lots of things planned. Bingo, barn dance, crockery smash and we’re hoping to frequent a few local bikers’ nights and village days to promote. My daughter has even set herself a 200 mile in May challenge to help fundraise!

Amy – The support we have had so far has been amazing. We have had our first event last month, which, along with family donations, a few penny pots and old notes, has got us to our first 1,000! We have so much planned to achieve our target, May is going to be a busy month with a crockery smash, Bingo and much more. We hope we can double April’s donations! We’ve got so much planned for the rest of the summer and we’re planning to end the season with a Barn dance. 

What are you most looking forward to about the Trek?  

Ellie – I’m looking forward to seeing the amazing sights of Peru, the empowerment of completing challenges, meeting new people and different cultures. 

Amy – I am most excited about the challenge. I love to push myself to the limit and this is certainly going to do that. I’m really looking forward to the scenery, camaraderie and sense of achievement. 

Is there anything you’re nervous about?  

Ellie – The nervous list is extremely long but the main ones are ensuring I’m physically fit and the high altitude. I’ve already lost 1.5 stone with lots more to go. I’ve joined a netball group, am taking gym classes and doing long walks to try and ensure I’m ready. The anxiety of letting down anyone who has donated is very high. 

Amy – The fundraising was my biggest worry, probably because it’s the first thing to deal with. It is a lot of money to raise but by Ellie and I working together and both using our own connections and playing to our strengths it’s looking like a very manageable figure. My second worry is breaking my leg during the 1st mile of the trek and missing the whole thing! 

What would you say to anyone thinking about getting involved in Trek Machu Picchu?  

Ellie – I would say go for it, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience. Life is too short not to! 

Amy – My advice is don’t think too hard about it, we are all great at thinking of reasons why not to do something. I’ve lost 3 friends this year, with no warning their life was over. It’s been a big reminder that our time is not guaranteed. Sign up, then just focus on how to make your adventure happen. The Fundraising Team has been great at allaying our fears and putting us on the right path. We had loads of tips and info in our welcome pack about planning & training. To steal Nikes tag line, just do it!  

A huge thank you to Ellie and Amy for getting involved and joining us on Trek Machu Picchu. If you’d like to sign up, or get more information about what the Trek involves, you can head to our website here. 

For any questions, you can get in touch with Dan, our Challenge and Events Fundraiser via email on dan.varley@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk today!