Sarah Morrison has now completed her walk. Read on for her update on how it went:

It was December 2008 when I signed up for “Macmillan Peru Challenge – the Inca Trail” and the challenge began – not only getting fit but having to raise £3300 for a charity very close to my heart.

A number of fundraising activities were held including a wine tasting and a ceilidh. I was also completely overwhelmed by the enormous generosity of colleagues, friends and family – my thanks go to all of you - I reached £3800 in the end.

So 6 months later, target hit, body in shape (?) I was off on my big adventure along with another 52 budding trekkers – all starting with a 30 hour journey to Cuzco which sits at 3200m above sea level. It certainly gave jet lag a new dimension. We had an “acclimatisation walk” the next day which was interesting after 4 hours sleep, then we set off to start the Inca Trail itself (still jet lagged) the following morning.

Our first day took us through some amazing scenery – snow capped mountains, Inca sites and fortunately not too a strenuous path – that was saved for Day 2. Up at 5am, we walked through rainforest and continued upwards to “Dead Woman’s Pass” at 4200m – a real feeling of achievement was had by all. Then we had to get back down again – it was a long tiring day.

Day 3 took us into yet another different environment and the breathtaking scenery kept coming…

When our final morning came, it was a sad moment knowing that a few hours later we would no longer be walking – as exhausted and filthy as we were, I had loved every minute – and our reward was still to come! After a presentation for our amazing support staff (have never felt so humbled as I did by those porters) we headed off for our final destination – Machu Picchu. It was a very emotional moment walking through the Sun Gate and seeing it for the first time. Words cannot describe how I felt seeing it – was in complete awe.

This trip has been special to me in so many ways and the support I received along the way was overwhelming. You have all helped people living with cancer.

Thank you.

Each and every day 739 people in the UK are told they have cancer. More than one million people in the UK today have had a cancer diagnosis, and more than one in 3 will be diagnosed at some point in their life. As well as taking action today to support people from the moment they suspect they have cancer, Macmillan are shaping the future of cancer care. Their increasing range of services, inc Macmillan nurses, doctors and other health and social care professionals, cancer care centres, a range of cancer information, practical help at home & help with money, is funded entirely through the generosity of their supporters. Thanks to the support they receive, Macmillan provides the practical and emotional support which makes a real difference to people living with cancer today and tomorrow.

Sarah Morrison has to raise a minimum of £3300 to take part in the event, of which at least 67% will benefit Macmillan Cancer Support. She hopes to raise much more than this and is already well on my way with £2K already in the bank! Sarah is planning on holding an event in Leith over the next few months so watch this space.....

(If you are able to support me in my challenge, you can do so by donating through just giving at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahmorrison1)

Sarah Morrison Inca Trail Macmillan Cancer Support Links:

Sarah's Myspace Blog

www.justgiving.com/sarahmorrison1

www.inkanatura.com/mapincatrail.asp

www.go2peru.com/inca_
trail_machupicchu.htm

www.worldatlas.com/webimage
/countrys/samerica/pe.htm

Abut Sarah:

37 years old female who resides in Leith with partner Jamie. Been working hard recently and needed a personal goal, thus the reason for embarking on the biggest challenge ever hiking the Inca Trail in Peru for Macmillan Cancer Support. It will be a challenge in more ways than one but am sure it will be a very rewarding experience, not just with doing the hike itself but by knowing how I will have helped many families in need of the excellent care Macmillan can offer. My family has been impacted by cancer time and time again over the years, thus the reason for me choosing this charity.