Join Julie on charity trek - to Inca city

The cash will go towards the new six-bed Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) unit at the hospital, due to open later this year, where Julie, who lives near Hexham, Northumberland, will work with teenagers receiving treatment.

She said: "I've worked on the existing unit for 18 years, and I've been through so much with the teenagers and learnt so much from them, that I just feel it's a vital cause."

The unit will feature chill-out zones and treatment facilities as well as entertainment equipment and a roof-top garden, all designed to increase survival rates of children and young adults suffering from the disease.

Julie is a keen horsewoman and has already completed a number of horse treks for the charity. Her next horse trek, a solo venture to Petra, in Jordan, is to take place in November this year.

She said: "I love riding, so those treks are very enjoyable, but I also wanted to really challenge myself and I thought a walking trek in a hot climate would offer me a tougher time.

"I want more people to come forward and help me hit this target because I feel it is an amazing opportunity and won't be as difficult as the treatment these teenagers go through each day."

The trip, which will take in the 11,000-metre summit of the ancient Inca city, is due to take place from September 26 next year, but participants need to book up no later than November.

Julie said: "So far those that are joining me include colleagues, friends and acquaintances and we are all really excited. It should be hard but fun."

As well as the trek, which will follow a stone path built around 400 years ago, the group will get the chance to tour the sacred valley and explore Cuzco, the capital of the fabled Inca empire.

Simon Davies, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "Julie's sheer determination and commitment when it comes to the Teenage Cancer Trust is simply fantastic.

"She has worked tirelessly over the last six years to raise money for our unit at the RVI, and this year I'm sure she will be putting 110% in again.

"We would like to express our sincere thanks to Julie for all that she has done, and continues to do, for the charity."

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Julie on 07881 606907 or the TCT on (020) 7612-0370 or visit www.teenagecancertrust. org