Hiking pair off to Peru to help sick babies

THE Lost City is beckoning for one Dormansland grandmother.

Valerie Hadwick is taking part in a tough charity challenge to climb Machu Picchu, in Peru, for charity.

The 54-year-old financial controller will be swapping her computer and ledgers for hiking boots and a backpack in June, together with work pal Rosemary Styles, who is also taking part.

The duo must raise £3,000 each for the medical charity Action Medical Research.

Valerie and Rosemary will be supported by Peruvian Porters and sleep under canvas on the demanding nine-day trip along the Inca Trail.

Valerie, of Locks Meadow, said: "My son thinks I am having a mid-life crisis and my daughter was equally shocked as my idea of 'walking' is usually around a shopping mall in a comfy pair of heels.

"I am very fortunate in having healthy, happy children and so far one beautiful healthy granddaughter."

By leaving their footprints on the Inca Trail, Valerie and Rosemary will help Action Medical Research's Touching Tiny Lives Campaign - a special campaign to help sick and vulnerable babies.

Rosemary said: "We are both passionate about the cause, it is weird how it came about. We both saw the same advert at different times and wanted to do it, but didn't have anyone to do it with.

"It will be challenging but we are looking forward to the task ahead."

To go on the expedition Valerie needs to raise £3,000 which she hopes to do through themed-dinner parties, table top sales, flipping pancakes, raffle and a beetle drive.

Rosemary will also be taking part in sponsored car washes and quiz nights to raise funds.

To find out more about their challenge, or to sponsor them, visit www.action.org.uk/~Valerieh1.

resource: www.thisissussex.co.uk