From jewellers to the heights of Machu Picchu

A Scotswoman has put her best foot forward by trekking Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to raise over £4,000 for charity.

Heather Templeton, from Glasgow, finance director at luxury jeweller and diamond retailer Chisholm Hunter, returned triumphant from her Machu Picchu trek where she raised funds for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland).

Heather, alongside 15 other climbers, took on the Inca trials in the Andes Mountains, enjoying the breath-taking wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage Site whilst struggling through altitude sickness throughout the five day climb.

The trek commenced in the Peruvian City of Cusco and involved tackling three mountain passes in the process before reaching the 15th century city of Machu Picchu, one of the most culturally significant archaeological locations in the world and an icon of Inca civilisation.

Heather said: ‘We hiked for 11 hours every day up-hill along the 28-mile Inca trail which included “Dead Woman’s Pass”, which is 13,766 feet above sea level. The weather wasn’t exactly kind to us – some days it was pouring with rain and we even experienced an earthquake. You walk, eat, sleep and walk again but we were all determined to complete the journey. The camaraderie of the team was tremendous and we all still keep in touch.

‘People comment on the amount of money I raised but to me it’s a target to pay back the amount of cost it takes to care for the children.

The money raised will provide personalised home and hospital care to thousands of children, young people and adults affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus across Scotland. A challenge like this is about receiving as well as giving. You gain so much self-worth by overcoming challenges and making new friends along the way.’

Chisholm Hunter has supported SBH Scotland since inception with Managing Director Harry Brown actively encouraging his team to take time out to fundraise for the charity.

Harry Brown, managing director at Chisholm Hunter said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Heather on her fantastic Machu Picchu trek, she certainly put herself outside her comfort zone. She has seen some incredible sights and raised critical funds for a charity that is very important to us here at Chisholm Hunter.’

Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland said: ‘To trek through the Andes and reach the top of Machu Picchu is no easy feat. This is an incredible achievement by Heather, and we are grateful for the time and effort she dedicated to this challenge.

‘Each year, SBH Scotland needs to raise £1million to continue providing vital services across Scotland. Without the support of individual fundraisers and corporate partners such as Chisholm Hunter, this would not be possible.’