Scot hikes, rafts and ziplines Machu Picchu in memory of mum
A DARING Scottish woman hiked, rafted and ziplined her way 8,000ft to the summit of one the world's most stunning landmarks to mark the 10th anniversary of her mum's death from cancer.
Stephanie Suriyanon, who lost her mum Kathleen Jardine to breast cancer in June 2005, raised more than £1,600 for Breast Cancer Now after taking on one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, in memory of her mum.
As part of the gruelling four-day trip, Stephanie, 40 and her husband Anthony, 42, trekked, climbed, cycled, rafted and zip-lined their way through treacherous conditions to reach the summit of the historical site in Peru.
Stephanie from Edinburgh, who is mum to Mark, 12, and Katie, 10, said: “When I turned forty, I decided that now was the time to do something different – something that took me out of my comfort zone – for a cause that’s close to my heart.
“My wonderful mum – who lost her life to breast cancer ten years ago – was always a bit of an adventurer and did her own charity bike ride in Brazil when she was fifty.
“I knew this trip would be the perfect way to remember her and raise money for breast cancer research at the same time.
“Travelling to Peru to take on one of the New Seven Wonders of the World was such an adventure in itself.
“But then came the real adventure. Trekking through the tough terrain to a height of 8000ft was definitely challenging but it was worth it to see the stunning scenery.
“At some points the trip was utterly terrifying, especially when we took on the highest zip line in South America and cycled through the Amazon rainforest,” she added.
The investment trader, who works at Baillie Gifford & Co in the capital is also a supporter of the charity’s latest fundraising campaign, ‘Now Is Good’.
The campaign encourages new and existing supporters to commit to raising money for breast cancer research. It aims to bring fundraisers together to make a difference to the lives of those affected by breast cancer in Scotland.
Mary Allison, Director for Scotland at Breast Cancer Now, said: “Breast cancer is a heart-breaking disease. When we hear about another friend or family member whose life has been lost we often ask ourselves, couldn’t we do something more to end this. Breast Cancer Now believe that together we can.
“Whether it’s trekking through one of the most remote parts of the world like Stephanie, organising events, holding collections, wearing fancy dress to work, putting on a bake sale, cycling or even skydiving – whatever it is that helps to raise money – now is good.
“With every pound we raise we’re powering research that’s finding new ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer until the day that no one will die from breast cancer.
“We know that there are thousands of people out there who have considered fundraising for charity or who are already out there doing it – so we want to encourage them to make 2016 the year they all come together to achieve even more.”
Sign up for your free fundraising pack at www.breastcancernow.org/nowisgood
Or find your event today http://breastcancernow.org/get-involved/challenge-events-and-runs