New year, new you: a trek for my daughter

Posted by: Sean Middleditch
26th January, 2012

My daughter Maisey had been having some specialist treatment for some complex digestive issues, and last February I was scrolling through the Great Ormond Street Hospital website to find some information, but I came away signing up for the Inca Trail Trek 2011.

It wasn’t intentional! But the urge to “do something” had overcome me, and I am so pleased it did.

I think most people are fully aware of the hospital and the good work which is carried out there, but unless you’re a parent, you will not see the ageing buildings and facilities which are in use.

Maisey has been very lucky though: she got to use the brand new Octav Botnar Wing which has all the latest facilities and equipment. There are game consoles, space to play, draw and lots of activities to detract from the real reasons for the visits.

Her condition is complex and related to her entire digestive system and she follows a very restrictive diet. This means she cannot eat most normal foods and has a lot of specialist foods on prescription. It is very difficult for her as she cannot have normal sweets or treats, or even have a proper birthday cake. But with the help of Great Ormond Street Hospital, we hope that eventually Maisey can experience normal food, perhaps even a pizza!

By taking on the Inca Trek challenge, I knew I was going to be directly helping in making visits by other children in the future more comfortable and that my small efforts would contribute to a much bigger difference. I am proud to have been part of this event, and I will certainly take part in another.

Being one of these people who never visits the gym & who is stuck behind a desk most of the week, the Inca Trek was one the most challenging things I have ever embarked upon. In fact it was probably the single hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but it was certainly worth it! And the sense of achievement is truly unbelievable.

I was quite apprehensive the week leading up to the big day and I had only really done a little bit of training. It’s described as a challenging trek, graded ‘tough’, 50km up and down mountainous snow capped peaks up to an oxygen depleting 4200 meters high! But I need not have worried in the slightest & I would do it all again tomorrow.

The country, the people, the trail, Incan ruins and Machu Picchu are only the icing on the trek, the best bits are really the experience, fun, friendship, emotion, and being part of that ‘gel’ which brought together a fantastic group of individuals who shared a common purpose and goal.

It really is beyond words… and certainly should be on the top of your “to do” list.

Hear from the other trekkers who took part in Inca Trail 2011:

To take part in one of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity treks, please visit our Challenge Events pages. The treks range from UK treks (Hadrian’s Wall, Jurassic Coast, London to Brighton) to overseas adventures (Great Wall of China, Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro). Find one that suits you best and add it to your “to do” list!