Team prepares for Inca Trail in aid of St Barnabas

The challenge, which will raise vital funds for patient care at St Barnabas House hospice in Titnore Lane, Worthing, will see the team walk the ancient route of the Incas and discover the mysteries of the iconic Machu Picchu.

So far, the team of trekkers has managed to raise more than £56,000 – enough to pay for an entire month of care in four patient rooms, which constitutes a whole wing on the In-Patient Unit. The money has been raised through a variety of fund-raising events, including a sponsored dog walk, quiz nights, Christmas bazaars, party nights, restaurant nights and sponsorship from friends, family and employers.

Trekkers have been busy preparing for the challenge. For the first training session of 2012, they walked from Lancing Manor Leisure Centre, up onto the Downs and over to Cissbury Ring near Findon.

Sloane Vaughan, fund-raising manager at St Barnabas will be joining the trekkers on the Inca Trail.

She said: “I am so proud of the Inca Team for raising such a staggering amount of money so far.

“They have worked so hard, putting on some fantastic fund-raising events, and really thrown themselves into the challenge.

“To have reached £56,000 already is unbelievable, especially when we still have so many events planned in the upcoming months.

“Thanks to the generosity and support of the local community we were able to build our dream of a new hospice.

“Our on-going challenge, now, is to raise the vital funds we need to provide care and support to patients in our fantastic new building.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported the Inca Team so far; please continue to do so and help us raise the money we need to support local families when they need us the most.”

Full details from www.stbarnabas-hospice.org.uk/events