Rochdale local puts his best foot forward for Peru mountain trek

Bob Chadwick gears up for Peru trek

An adventurous Rochdale local, Bob Chadwick is set to take on the ultimate overseas challenge in October by travelling to Peru and scaling the Forgotten City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, in aid of the NSPCC.

Mr Chadwick, 50, from Smithybridge, Rochdale, will trek to Machu Picchu via high mountain passes reaching up to 14,500 ft with a group of up to 30, including 8 people raising funds for the NSPCC.

He is currently preparing to complete the challenge starting on 14 October and is training by undertaking several 10-20 mile walks in preparation for gruelling trip, which he hopes will raise more than £5,000 for the children’s charity. He aims to complete the challenge in 5 days.

Machu Picchu, high in Peru’s mountains, is known as the Forgotten City. Once inhabited by the ancient Inca civilisation, almost every trace of humanity was swept from this historic land by the Spanish Conquest 1528-72, which in turn annihilated the entire Incan people.

Machu Picchu’s apex stands at 2,350 metres above sea level, and its atmosphere is thin. It is now home to the hardy alpacas, part of the llama family, and as a tourist destination.

Bob has undertaken several charity walks in this country, but this will be his first trek overseas and certainly his first ever walk at such altitudes.

Commenting on the challenge ahead, Bob said: “The Machu Picchu challenge will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m really excited about the journey ahead and can’t wait to reach the summit. I’m proud to be raising money for a fantastic cause and it’s so brilliant to think that for each foot walked, I will be raising money that will have a real impact on children’s lives.”

To sponsor the efforts of Mr Chadwick please visit:
http://www.justgiving.com/bobsincachallenge

NSPCC corporate fundraising manager for Rochdale, Shelagh Hopkinson added: “It’s fantastic that Bob is taking part in such a challenge to support the charity. We are extremely grateful to him for getting on his boots to help raise much needed funds that will make a real difference to the lives of local children and I wish him the best of luck with the challenge.”

Money raised for the NSPCC through the trip will help the NSPCC deliver its national services, like ChildLine the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children, and the NSPCC Helpline for Adults concerned about a child.

For more information on how to take part in an overseas challenge for the NSPCC or for how to support the NSPCC locally please contact the local fundraising team on 0161 628 1209, email northwestappeals@nspcc.org.uk or visit our website: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/get-involved