A mother whose son suffers from debilitating condition is to trek to Machu Pichu for charity.

Nina Maskell, 40, of Stag Lane, Buckhurst Hill, is to raise money for charity Hemihelp with friend Lesley Maeda, 42, of West Grove, Woodford Green.

Ms Maskell’s nine-year-old son Thomas suffers from Hemiplegia, a condition which causes weakness on one side of the body.

A number of fundraising events have been planned for the year, with the first being a pub quiz night at the Horse and Well in High Road, Woodford Green, on February 27.

The fundraising target is £8,000 and the trek is organised by Charity Challenge and involves treking from Cusco through Lares Valley and on to Machu Pichu.   

Ms Maskell said: “Thomas was born three months prematurely, which means he has brain damage and needs to wear a splint on his right leg and arm, this makes it hard for his mobility.”

“Trekking to Machu Pichu is something I have always wanted to do. I had a midlife crisis last year and decided to go for it. I did not have anyone to go with so Lesley volunteered to go with me.”

Donate to their cause: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/NinaandLesleysMachuPicchutrek