Sebastian Davage
Hayley's Charity Challenge Trek to Machu Picchu page
Fundraising for Grief Encounter Project
Story
My Story...
You may think I’m doing this challenge because I'm having some kind of midlife crisis or aliens have abducted me!
Neither reason is correct. I'm happily enjoying my (early) 40's and thank god have a husband who still makes me laugh and is my greatest friend. Plus my kids are really nice, kind and funny people.
So having cleared that up here comes my ‘why?'…
I sadly lost my darling dad nearly 6 years ago which left our family heartbroken. There are no words that can express how much he’s missed and how losing someone so close affects your world forever more.
Although he was far too young I’ve drawn strength from thepersistent positive attitude he instilled in me. He always lived life to the fullest and was the greatest advocate of the work hard/play hard ethic.
I believe in fate and for me this is the right time and the rightcause to back. Grief Encounter supports children who have sadly lost a parent or family member way too soon. The charity relies solely on the generosity of people like you providing donations so they can support bereaved families with services ranging from a voice at the end of a phone, group activities with likeminded families at Fundays, Grief Groups and Remembrance Days, to long term one-to-one counseling. For more information on their outstanding work I urge you to visit their website on www.griefencounter.org.uk
My Challenge...
In October I’m off on a 10 day trek in Peru!
Along with my lifelong friend Elayne we arrive in the Inca capital of Cusco and embark on a hike in the Peruvian Andes through the Lares Valley in order to reach the lost city of Machu Picchu - which is a long way from Brent Cross!
During my journey facilities are classed as ‘basic’, trekking lasts8 hours each day, and I’ll reach an altitude of 4,600m above sea level. The air will be thin and simply breathing becomes a strenuous effort enhanced further by the mother of all backpacks - although thankfully a mule carries my tent and the heavier camping gear.
Temperatures will go below freezing at night and during the day it will almost be too hot for hiking. I’m told to expect rain, hot sunshine, and a humid jungle climate, as well as dry, cold high-altitude conditions. And large insects.
And if this doesn’t sound challenging enough, there’s no mobilephone signal or Wi-Fi!
I'm totally unfit, have no stamina and hate leaving my comfort zone (hence why my friends think I'm mad!). From fake training once or twice a week I've now embarked on a rigorous 5 times a week fitness regime part of which involves emulating the high altitude lack of oxygen.
I'm nervous as hell but excited and determined to overcome any fears I might have and most importantly RAISE MONEY FOR PEOPLE WHO REALLY DO NEED OUR HELP. I’m totally thrilled to be part of such an amazing cause.
So thank you for your donations and I know together we will make a difference to people’s lives - how great is that!
With so much love and blisters.
Hayley X
You may think I’m doing this challenge because I'm having some kind of midlife crisis or aliens have abducted me!
Neither reason is correct. I'm happily enjoying my (early) 40's and thank god have a husband who still makes me laugh and is my greatest friend. Plus my kids are really nice, kind and funny people.
So having cleared that up here comes my ‘why?'…
I sadly lost my darling dad nearly 6 years ago which left our family heartbroken. There are no words that can express how much he’s missed and how losing someone so close affects your world forever more.
Although he was far too young I’ve drawn strength from thepersistent positive attitude he instilled in me. He always lived life to the fullest and was the greatest advocate of the work hard/play hard ethic.
I believe in fate and for me this is the right time and the rightcause to back. Grief Encounter supports children who have sadly lost a parent or family member way too soon. The charity relies solely on the generosity of people like you providing donations so they can support bereaved families with services ranging from a voice at the end of a phone, group activities with likeminded families at Fundays, Grief Groups and Remembrance Days, to long term one-to-one counseling. For more information on their outstanding work I urge you to visit their website on www.griefencounter.org.uk
My Challenge...
In October I’m off on a 10 day trek in Peru!
Along with my lifelong friend Elayne we arrive in the Inca capital of Cusco and embark on a hike in the Peruvian Andes through the Lares Valley in order to reach the lost city of Machu Picchu - which is a long way from Brent Cross!
During my journey facilities are classed as ‘basic’, trekking lasts8 hours each day, and I’ll reach an altitude of 4,600m above sea level. The air will be thin and simply breathing becomes a strenuous effort enhanced further by the mother of all backpacks - although thankfully a mule carries my tent and the heavier camping gear.
Temperatures will go below freezing at night and during the day it will almost be too hot for hiking. I’m told to expect rain, hot sunshine, and a humid jungle climate, as well as dry, cold high-altitude conditions. And large insects.
And if this doesn’t sound challenging enough, there’s no mobilephone signal or Wi-Fi!
I'm totally unfit, have no stamina and hate leaving my comfort zone (hence why my friends think I'm mad!). From fake training once or twice a week I've now embarked on a rigorous 5 times a week fitness regime part of which involves emulating the high altitude lack of oxygen.
I'm nervous as hell but excited and determined to overcome any fears I might have and most importantly RAISE MONEY FOR PEOPLE WHO REALLY DO NEED OUR HELP. I’m totally thrilled to be part of such an amazing cause.
So thank you for your donations and I know together we will make a difference to people’s lives - how great is that!
With so much love and blisters.
Hayley X