IncaTrek2011
Several members of Doncaster Rovers football club, players and management have decided this year to do something different in the hiatus between seasons. Instead of relaxing with family, they are flying to South America to take the Inca trail through the Andes. On the 5th of June the intrepid adventurers, led by their star midfielder Mark Wilson, will be reaching altitudes of 12,000 ft to raise funds for the NSPCC Childline service.
Joining Wilson will be James O’Connor and James Coppinger. They will be supported by 5 members of the Rovers’ management team, and 2 Rovers’ fans who are also local businessmen. This is no easy way to earn money for charity, as the Inca trail is a 62 miles trek upwards until they reach the roof of South America. The threat of altitude sickness will be a major factor as there are points on the trail that reach a mighty 15,000 ft. They plan to complete the walk in 6 days, not a task for the faint hearted.
Mark Wilson has said that they are taking on the challenge to raise public awareness of the NSPCC and Childline and raise much needed funds to enable them to finance it. This is something that Wilson has been thinking about doing for a while and wants to do all he can to help to stamp out child abuse.
“The other lads are just as keen as I am to get involved and even the ones who are not taking part have pledge money out of their wages to the Trek. Players like a challenge and to do this has given them that focus to help the NSPCC. They are really looking forward to it and know that it will be a test for us all as it will challenge us in different ways. Its going to be no picnic as we are doing an alternative route reaching heights of over 12,000ft. We land at high altitude them climb up to 15,000ft at the highest point of the trek. We will all have to watch out for altitude sickness as we are as high as some airline fly!. All of us are giving up our holidays to take this challenge on because its at a time we usually go with our families on a break, because when we get back it will be pre-season training ”
“This is a project we want the whole community in and we want every fan to get involved in any way plus any local business who want to get involved. We will be having special events all though the year including a special night for the ladies, so watch out on the clubs official website plus a new dedicated website and donations site we are setting up”
Steve Uttley, Media Manager “For me this is one the biggest challenges that I have undertaken but one I could not refuse when asked. I have a year to get myself up to fitness levels needed but If what I do saves one child’s life it will be worth all the pain and effort put in not only by me but by the rest of the team. I will be the oldest so will be the one who has the most punishing training regime but I have already started by walking in the Peak District as I build up”