Nurses Julia Sweet and Jenny Carpenter will be heading to Peru this October, where they will trek to the mystical Machu Picchu on a once in a lifetime challenge to raise money for Trinity Hospice, where Julia has worked for 22 years and Jen 15 years.  

Jenny said: “We want to give something back to this amazing charity. We see first-hand how Trinity impacts people’s lives and it really brings home how important our hospice is here on the Fylde Coast.”

Before the ladies head to South America with a team of over 20 others, they plan to put on a number of fundraisers to help raise as much money as possible for the hospice. They have also set up a JustGiving page for supporters who would like to sponsor them.

Julia said: “The donations from this trek will help to raise much needed funds to keep our hospice running and for us to continue to look after all the patients and their families.”

“We envisage sore legs and feet, as well as lots of general worries, however we will support each other as always.”

Although both keep fit in their spare time and are members of Wyre Ramblers, they know this challenge is bigger than anything they’ve done before and that it will push their strength and determination to the limits.

Aside from not having their home comforts and daily showers, the intrepid explorers will be tested by extreme altitude (at one stage of the trek they will be at 4,200 metres!), as well as unpredictable weather conditions.

In anticipation, they have put together a training plan and established a brand new group, ‘Trinity Trekkers’, to help stay motivated. They will be joined by colleagues from the hospice team on their frequent rambles and fell walks.

That isn’t the only thing spurring them on though. Julia plans to retire this year and so the duo wants to ensure that she goes out on a high. She said: “Going to Peru and fundraising in the lead-up will be retirement preparation like no other!”

If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to join Julia, Jen and the rest of the Peru Trek team, you can! For more information, go to: www.trinityhospice.co.uk/our-events/detail/peru/