AN ADVENTUROUS policeman is planning the trek of a lifetime in Machu Pichu to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Stuart McKenzie had always planned to take on the challenge of the Inca Trail with his father, Michael, who died of acute Pancreatititus in 2002.
His quest next year will mark the 15th anniversary of Michael’s death.
Stuart will raise at least £3,100 for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund to honour his dad, whose death was reported on the front page of The Standard in 2002.
Stuart said: “My dad Mike was a professional photographer in Bromsgrove, running ‘Michael Stuart Photography’ from 1981 until his death.
“He was a well-known character in the town due to his outgoing, bubbly personality and infectious Scottish humour.
“Because of his relationship with the community, I’m hoping to get donations from former customers and encourage them to leave fond memories of Mike on the JustGiving page.
“My dad gave so much of his life to the town and the community so I’m honoured to now do my part of trying to uphold the peace and safety of town residents and I know he would be incredibly proud of that.”
This will be the first time Stuart embarks on an adventure of this scale.
He said: “I’ve never camped outside in my life let alone for eight nights in the Andes so I’m feeling nervous and excited yet also a strong determination to do it and reach my goal.”
As part of the campaign, Stuart will join forces with older brother Zach to organise community-related events including a police officer car-wash at Bromsgrove Police Station in spring 2016.
Maggie Blanks, founder and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund said: “We’re really grateful to Stu for fund-raising on our behalf in memory of his dad, and are always happy to see how a community pulls together to help.
“The money Stu raises will be used to fund truly world-leading research that will help to increase our knowledge of the pancreas and ultimately save lives.
“Fund-raising treks like these are physically and emotionally challenging as they are rewarding, and doing this to help others is yet another aspect of Stu’s life that his dad would be very proud of.
“The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund has to date funded 34 cutting-edge research projects around the UK worth over £5million.
“Every penny used to fund these projects has come from donations from supporters like Stu.”
To make your donation and support Stuart on his trip to Machu Pichu, please visit: www.justgiving.com/michaelmackenzieperu where you can also find details of his monthly blog as he gears up for this incredible trip of a lifetime.
