Peru trek challenge puts Kate on a high
Reporter: Samrana Hussain
Date published: 15 November 2011
Kate Puc and David May reach Machu Picchu.
INTREPID Kate Puc travelled halfway round the world to raise money for charity — only to discover that wild llamas weren’t quite as friendly as the ones in Saddleworth.
Kate, who raised £4,400 with her nine-day trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, in October, couldn’t get them to stop for a picture no matter how hard she tried.
The mother-of-one made a trip to Higher Oxhey Farm, in Denshaw, back in September in preparation for her trek high in the Andes, a joint fundraising effort with the Manchester United Foundation.
“At the farm I befriended the llamas which are kept there. But in the wild they are shy and kept taking off before we could get close,” said Kate, fundraising officer at Francis House Children’s Hospice.
Kate and her 13 travelling companions, which included former Manchester United player David May, faced temperatures of minus 10C, nausea, dizziness, altitude sickness, a fractured hand and numerous strains as they climbed to 4.000ft.
Despite only completing her preparation of daily swims, walks and gym work three weeks before the trip, the 49-year-old coped well with the mountain air.
“I have backpacked round the world and taught skiing so I’m a bit of a traveller. But It was tough going.
“The altitude sickness was the most difficult thing. We all supported each other, if someone had to reacclimatise we all went down together.
“Luckily I was OK, the only thing I couldn’t do was sleep,” she added.
Kate is now on a mission to meet her target of £10,000 for the Didsbury-based hospice’s latest project, The Next Piece in the Jigsaw, to build seven more bedrooms to care for more children and their families.
“The pinnacle was the visit to the lost city of the Incas, but it meant we had to climb another 3,000 steps. It was challenging but a worthwhile cause. The money will help families in Oldham and across the North-West.”
To sponsor Kate go to www.justgiving.com/katescrusade or send a cheque made payable to Francis House to Kate’s Crusade, Francis House Fundraising Office, 390 Parrswood Road, Didsbury, M20 2NA.
