Flying the flag for Peru as team clocks up virtual miles for funds

Thousands of pounds have been raised for St James's Place Charitable Foundation after a 150-mile Peruvian trek.

Philip Butler from Stalybridge led a team of four colleagues to complete the virtual trek to the Lost City of Machu Pichu.

The ambitious five live across the country, in areas of Manchester, Yorkshire and Leicestershire.

To adhere to the Covid-19 restrictions, they hiked and cycled independently to achieve their goal of clocking up the 150 miles.

David Harby, Chris Farthing, Chris Murrel, Paul Dodge and Philip mapped their daily distances against the paths through Peru and supplied cultural information on their donation page.

Their journey gained lots of support and saw them smash their donation target of £1,000. The current total stands at more than £2,600.

Money raised is going to directly support their charity of choice, the St James’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation, created in 1992, aims to make a positive and lasting difference to people’s lives, with their main focus being to help children and young people who have special needs or are disadvantaged.

On their final day of the trek, the team members took the time to reflect.

Philip said: “Many thanks to the team for joining My Mission. It was great fun virtually walking across Peru with like-minded people.

“The break from the rigours of running a business in the background have put a spring in my step and I have tried to make it fun for us all at a difficult time.

“The money we have raised, which will be matched £1 for £1 by St James’s Place Wealth Management, makes a massive difference to people who are less fortunate than ourselves. Thanks for a great two months and for some great camaraderie.”

Paul added: “The trek over the last two months has been very enjoyable. I have reached Machu Pichu in five weeks and knowing that as part of the group I was attracting donations and subsequently raising funds for charities.”

David tasked himself with completing a further 150 miles.

He added: “I’m delighted to report that I have passed my personal target of 324 miles. I’ve seen some fascinating sights both real locally and ‘virtually’ in Peru, plus I have learned some new facts and located new walks to enjoy going forward, perhaps even for real in Peru when restrictions allow.”

To look back on the team’s journey, go to https://justgiving.com/team/teambutler5

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