Welshman Sam Williams is planning to climb to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel in Peru’s Andes Mountains in aid of Parkinson’s UK Cymru.
The 27-year-old marketing consultant will arrive at what is often referred to as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, which is located on a 2,430-metre mountain ridge, at the end of an epic four day trek in early April.
His dad, Mark Williams, 60, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 16 years ago, and Sam says he’s been inspired by his efforts to keep physically active.
He said he decided to raise money for Parkinson’s UK Cymru because of the work the charity does funding research into the condition.
“I wanted to raise money for charity because Parkinson’s has affected my dad and my family. Parkinson’s UK Cymru seemed like the obvious cause to do the climb for because it’s something close to me,” said Sam, pictured above with his father.
“It’s a significant challenge. It’s obviously an iconic place to go. The altitude is going to be a major factor.
“I’ve been walking up lots of different routes in training for this. I’ve done a lot of walking in the Brecon Beacons, but the altitude of the Andes is more difficult to train for.
“Machu Picchu isn’t actually the highest point of the challenge. The highest point is 4,200 metres, before you get to Machu Picchu, so you can’t really prepare for that.
“The main reason I chose Parkinson’s UK to raise money for is the research element. They’re trying to develop more effective treatments, and hopefully one day they’ll even find a cure.”
Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. There’s currently no cure. Parkinson’s UK has invested over £100m in vital research that has delivered ground-breaking discoveries, new medications and better care.
If you would like to support Sam and Parkinson’s UK, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sm-williams?
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