Stourport gran following in Incas' footsteps (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Stourport gran following in Incas' footsteps

7:20am Thursday 30th July 2009

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A STOURPORT grandmother is preparing to live a childhood dream by following in the footsteps of the Incas during a charity trek in Peru.

Jo Ballard, 54, of Lower Lickhill Road, is due to leave on October 2 for the gruelling five-day trek from Cuzco across the Andes to the world famous Inca site, Machu Picchu.

She said: “It is something I have always wanted to do. It is a childhood dream. To see Machu Picchu will be fantastic.

“I can remember the day at school when I first learned about the Incas and I thought straightaway that I wanted to go to there one day.”

She explained: “I find the Incas so mysterious and interesting. I can’t contain myself I am that excited about the trek.”

Mrs Ballard, a customer service advisor who has four grandchildren, is raising money for Classic FM Music Makers, a charity that aims to help improve lives through the power of music by funding UK music therapy and music education projects.

She has already raised about £2,750 through charity events like quiz nights, car boot sales, a sponsored walk and raffles but needs to raise another £500 to secure her place on the trek.

She said: “The charity do a fantastic job. It is a very worthy cause, particularly for the help they give children and people with special needs. Music is a really good healer. ”

Mrs Ballard will be trekking between eight and 12 hours a day but is a keen walker and runner who has been training for the trip.

She said: “It is a massive challenge but I have been running up hills every day with my dog, Daisy and I think I am fit and ready.

“I am so excited. The only thing I am worried about is altitude sickness but you have to take that chance.”

She explained it would be the first time she had been away from home on her own but she was relishing the experience.

She added: “My family are really proud of me. They have all helped me immeasurably and supported me all the way.”

To sponsor Mrs Ballard, call 0777 3237649 or visit www.justgiving.co.uk/joanneballard/

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