Tattenhall couple raise money for Broadgreen hospital on Inca Trail

Aug 11 2011 by Carmella de Lucia, Chester Chronicle

A TATTENHALL couple braved high altitudes and challenging temperatures to raise more than £1,000 for Broadgreen Hospital.

Marion Dodd, 19, and her boyfriend James Morris, 20, both from Gatesheath, travelled to Peru in June to complete the Inca Trail - one of South America’s most challenging mountain walking routes.

The pair spent two weeks exploring Peru before embarking on the four day trail.

Geography student Marion, who goes to Aberystwyth University, wanted to raise funds for the hospital that has treated her friends and family in the past.

“It was a fantastic experience that neither of us will ever forget,” said Marion.

“I was a lot fitter than I had thought but it was challenging; at times, the high altitude made it really tough, and on the second day we climbed to 4,220 metres above sea level.”

She added: “But we had great company and guides that kept us going. Combined with gift aid, we have raised £1,200 and I’m really pleased the money will be going towards the development of minimal invasive mitral valve surgery at Broadgreen Hospital, as my dad had open heart surgery there and was treated so well.

“I really want to thank everyone so much for their kind generosity,” she added.

“I’d like to do some more fundraising in the future but we really caught the travelling bug in Peru, so after we graduate next year, we definitely want to see more of the world.”