Trekker Profiles

Aileen Anderson

I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me in my endeavour to trek to Machu Picchu from the organisation of and participation in fundraising events to  donations and words of support and encouragement. Ayrshire Hospice costs more than £17000 every day of the year to run and we need to fundraise over £4 million to keep our services going. As Chief Executive of the Hospice I wanted to make a personal contribution to that target and to give something back to an organisation that I am proud and privileged to have been part of for the last 12 years. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and to sharing my experiences with Ellen, Carole, Graeme, Chris and Graham.

Wish us luck and thanks for all your support.

Please sponsor me: www.justgiving.com/Aileen-Anderson61

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Ellen Alexander
My name is Ellen Alexander, I am 52 years old and work as a medical secretary at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, working for a consultant who specialises in diabetes and endocrinology. I wanted to get involved in fundraising for The Ayrshire Hospice because a number of special people in my life have passed away without benefiting from the expertise, help and support that a hospice provides. When the opportunity to take part in the trek to Machu Picchu arose I was delighted to be able to experience such a life changing journey while simultaneously raising funds and awareness for such a worthwhile cause.  I am most looking forward to soaking up the culture and scenery in Peru, as well as the personal physical challenge of trekking to Machu Picchu (all the while hoping that I won't require the services of a paramedic and oxygen tank!). I'd like to thank everyone who so kindly donated to my fundraising activities, without whom this trek would not be possible.

Please sponsor me: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=EllenAlexander.MachuPicchu.2012&isTeam=true

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Graeme Strawhorn

I can’t believe that almost a year has come and gone since I decided to join this year’s Hopsice Overseas Trek.  I am 31 years old and I'm a Fundraising Officer with the Hospice’s Fundraising Team.  After scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010 alongside Chris McMail and 10 others (not boasting at all!) I thought it was time to take on another challenge and where better than Machu Picchu in Peru.  I’m very much looking forward to the challenge ahead as well as seeing another part of the world I never expected to see.  It’s been a fantastic year for me with my fundraising;   Through various fundraising initiatives, with the amazing support from all my friends, family and colleagues, I’ve managed to exceed my fundraising expectations and I couldn’t have done it without all their support.  I’m joining a great bunch of fellow trekkers keen to take on this amazing challenge for our fantastic cause.  Its an honour to be joining Aileen, Carole, Ellen, Graham and Chris on this exciting journey, and I look forward to sharing the experience ahead knowing also that we have all collectively raised a brilliant amount for our Hospice. All fundraising makes such a difference to those under our Hospice care.  It’s all about making today matter...’

Thank you to everyone who supported me in my Fundraising – it is as always very much appreciated and I looks forward to celebrating with you all on my return...

Please sponsor me: http://www.justgiving.com/Graeme-Strawhorn81

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Chris McMail
Chris McMail is the founder and managing director of Microtech Support Limited since March 1986.

Married to Anne with 2 daughters Caitlin 13 and Nicole 8, this is my third adventure on behalf of the Ayrshire Hospice.  I trekked the wall of china in 2009 and successfully summited Kilimanjaro in 2010.

This year I am splitting my fundraising between the Hospice and MND.

Please sponsor me: http://www.justgiving.com/Chris-McMail

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Graham Kirkwood

I'm Graham Kirkwood I am married to Jacqueline and we have a beautifully daughter Zara (8). I work with Bridgend Garage as a General Manager at the Irvine site and have been with the company 34 years
This will be my 2nd overseas trek with hospice. My first was in 2009 to The Great Wall in China I decided that this year I turned 50 years young and thought this trek might be a good idea. Ha Ha.
I have been involved with the hospice for more than 20 year doing fundraising. I would like to thank everyone who has been kind enough to donate to my adventure.

Please sponsor me: http://www.justgiving.com/gkperu

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Carole McVicar

To follow...

Please sponsor me: http://www.justgiving.com/carole-McVicar