A Melksham couple who are preparing to hike the Machu Picchu Trek next year for Dorothy House are holding a fundraising Valentine’s Party next month to boost their fundraising efforts.
The challenge will see Liza Pinching and her husband, David, trek 26 miles along the famous Inca Trail.
As part of the challenge, they must raise £12,000 for Dorothy House Hospice Care, which provides free palliative and end-of-life care across parts of Wiltshire and Somerset.
The couple have never embarked on a challenge like this before. They have so far raised around £4,500 through a quiz night last October and a band night held in November.
To further boost funds, they will host a Valentine’s Party at Spencer’s Sports and Social Club on Saturday 15th February. Liza says there will be live 80s and 90s music from Groove Dream, DJ Gary Lucas, food supplied by Miss Aubree’s Caribbean food van and a raffle.
“Dorothy House Hospice is our local hospice, providing outstanding palliative and end-of-life care to over 3,700 patients every year,” says Liza, who works at Dorothy House.
“80% of its funding comes from donations, fundraising, charity shops, and legacies left in people’s wills. The hospice can’t operate without the generosity of the community it serves, so it’s vital that we do what we can to support the delivery of these free care services to patients in their last 1,000 days of life, as well as vital services such as bereavement counselling for families at the time it’s most needed.”
The couple are planning two more fundraising events this year: a quiz night in July and a Halloween event in November. “We are trying to offer different events to attract the community. People pay a small fee at the door, and the money goes towards Dorothy House and the trek, but the majority will go to Dorothy House.”
The trek will also be a personal milestone for Liza, who will turn 60 next year.
“I want to enter my 60s feeling like I’ve really achieved something significant—being fit, active, and so on. But ultimately, it’s to raise money for Dorothy House as a hospice.”
Spaces for the Valentine’s Party, which will start at 7pm, are limited. To book a space, ring Liza on 07789 675825 or email pinching@btinternet.com.
Pictured: David and Liza
