TREK PERU 2008 (4 - 14 October 2008)

An incredible Incan adventure, making our footprint count for Parkinson's disease.

In 2001 my father, Graham, was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a degenerative disease due to the loss of production of the neurotransmitter Dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical that turns a thought in to an action by carrying that thought to the correct part in your brain in order for your body to move its leg to walk or recall information from your brain to speak. At 60 my father now believes symptoms actually started around 1993-98 with some loss of sense of smell and minor motor disabilities, although this went undiagnosed until 2001.

Parkinson's has many negative effects on the body. The most recognisable are motor symptoms such as tremors, speech and swallowing disturbances. In addition there are many non motor symptoms that include; Depression, slow reaction times, dementia, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, short term memory loss, insomnia, dizziness, pain, incontinence and constipation and weight loss.

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) are extremely active in raising money in many different ways. My sister, Laura, and I saw the PDS Peru Trek as a way to get involved and help Parkinson's sufferers and their families, with the aim of raising a minimum of £100,000 for the PDS, which equates to £2,800 per person, so Laura and I need to raise at least £5,600.

Please help us raise at least £5,600 for Parkinson's!

The Trip

Peru is one of the most archaeologically rich areas of the world, liberally scattered with a bounty of temples, tombs and treasures.

This trip will take us through the ancient land of the Incas, where we will explore unknown valleys and neglected ruins, away from the hustle and bustle or the main Inca Trail. We will discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas and experience some of the most spectacular scenery in South America.

The climax of the trek will be our walk from 'Kilometre 82' where we will head upwards to the Sun Gate - the entrance to the famous Machu Picchu ruins, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Machu Picchu was the bastion of the Incan Empire, surviving in isolation even after the Spanish invasion due to its position on the remote steep slopes of the Andean mountain range.

The aim is to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu, 7,875 feetabove the rambling Urumbambu River. It is one of the most beautiful and mystical ancient sites in the world. This exclusive route is well away from the tourist trail. We will be able to enjoy Peruvian culture; visiting villages and gaining an insight into the local traditions and history.

This is a demanding trek, covering approximately 12-15km a day, over eight days.

We will be camping in 2 man tents for 8 days, which is reason enough for you to donate a lot of money in pity at me having to spend all this time with my sister!

The trek will incorporate a lot of hill walking and high altitudes. The terrain most of the way is uneven paths and trekkers must be prepared for loose covering, jutting rocks, dirt tracks, and occasional sharp drops to one side.

Every metre will make a difference to someone with Parkinson’s.

We must raise a minimum of £5,600 so please please give loads!