Hardy pair raise more than £11,000 after Machu Picchu trek

Perth housing colleagues join adventure in Peru to support MND Scotland

Perth work colleagues Grant Ager and Susan Bell shrugged off rain-lashed days and altitude sickness to reach Machu Picchu in Peru.

The Fairfield Housing Cooperative pair’s efforts have raised more than £11,000 for motor neurone disease (MND) Scotland.

They formed part of a 27-strong team which signed up for a challenging six-day trek to Peru’s Unesco World Heritage Site.

After the long-haul flight to Lima, they flew on to Cusco before facing a four-hour bus journey and an exhausting first-day tester trek to reach 4,200 metres.

Mr Ager, 51, chief executive of Fairfield Housing, said: “There were tough times along the way but it was amazing reaching Machu Picchu.

“I have to admit I was quite emotional. The Inca capital was even more spectacular than the photographs I had seen.

He continued: “The Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 metres, is actually higher than Machu Picchu and there was an 11-hour final day on the trail.

“We had plenty of company when we reached our destination because it’s a major tourist attraction. But we had time to take in one of the wonders of the world and reflect on achieving our goal.”

Mother-of-two Mrs Bell, 37, was thrilled to eclipse the initial £6,000 fundraising target, with contributions still flowing in.

“We helped push each other on,” she said.

“The first few days were horrendous because altitude meant you were left breathless by the simplest of tasks.

“It was pouring down as we progressed through the Cloud Forest so getting anything dry at the overnight campsites was a challenge.

“Temperatures dropped to minus five overnight but thankfully the weather improved because the terrain was rough at times.”

The challenge was inspired by political researcher Gordon Aikman as he promoted awareness of MND before succumbing to the condition earlier this year at the age of 31.

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/companyteams/ GrantandsusanMachuPicchu.

Ihaveto admit I was quite emotional. The Inca capital was even more spectacular than the photographs I had seen. GRANT AGER

Susan Bell and Grant Ager were part of a 27-strong team that trecked to Machu Picchu in Peru.