Brave would-be explorers from St Albans and Harpenden will embark on a 52 mile South American Inca Trail trek to raise money for charity this summer.
Jo Hailey, 53, from St Albans, and Eddy Lamb, 31, from Harpenden, will walk to Machu Picchu with three other walkers in aid of Transition UK - a charity which helps disadvantaged young people.
It is a 15th Century trail on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres above sea level, rising to 4,200m in parts, and altitude sickness is a real danger.
A training day in the Peak District next month is going to complement their strict daily exercise regime, in preparation for the walk.
At the moment Jo has raised £1,000 and Eddy £1,300, but they hope to get at least £2,000 each by the time they set off on May 14.
Jo said: “The trek is a huge adventure and an amazing opportunity for me personally.”
As managing director at Striking Places Photography, she is also “hoping to capture some stunning imagery of Machu Picchu”.
Eddy, who is the director at Crest Interiors, echoed her sentiment: “Knowing that it will also benefit others makes it even more worthwhile.”
Chief executive of Transitions UK, Ron Overton, is joining them on the trail: “The trek will benefit the young people we work with directly, who themselves face enormous challenges in their daily lives.
“This can range from disabilities and special needs, economic and social circumstance, through to emotional and mental health issues, those in care or leaving care, those excluded from school or at risk of offending.”
To donate to their cause, click here.
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