​From the Andes to Awareness: Continued Care Team Takes on Machu Picchu for Mental Health

At Mind in Harrogate District, we are always inspired by the incredible lengths our supporters go to in order to raise awareness and funds for mental health support. One recent challenge saw a team from our Charity of the Year partner, Continued Care, embark on an unforgettable corporate fundraising adventure to one of the world’s most iconic destinations – Machu Picchu in Peru.

Director Samantha Harrison and Assistant Director Mike Herrington, alongside fellow trekkers Olly, Ian and Gareth, completed a challenging four-day trek along the famous Inca Trail, raising funds for Mind in Harrogate District. At the time of writing, the team had raised almost £2,000 to support local mental health services across the Harrogate district.

The challenge formed part of Continued Care’s commitment as our Charity of the Year partner, demonstrating how businesses can come together, support important causes and make a meaningful difference in their local communities. Through this ambitious corporate fundraising challenge, the team not only raised vital funds but also helped spark conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
The trek took the group through breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient Incan ruins and mountain passes reaching over 4,000 metres above sea level. Their journey culminated with an early morning climb to the Sun Gate, where they watched the sunrise over the spectacular Machu Picchu.

Reflecting on the challenge, Sam and Mike described arriving in Cusco and immediately feeling the effects of the high altitude. However, the adventure was about much more than reaching the final destination. Along the way, the group visited local communities, including the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-operative, where they learned about traditional textile-making and the positive impact sustainable tourism has on local families. They also brought supplies including colouring books, pencils and soft toys to share with local children.

One of the toughest parts of the trek came on day two as the team climbed to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the route at almost 4,200 metres.

“This is the day everyone had been dreading,” Sam and Mike wrote. “The altitude was high and moving and breathing was more difficult.”

Despite the physical challenge, the team persevered through steep terrain and changing weather conditions. Reaching the summit was an emotional moment, made even more special by the encouragement of the local porters who greeted the trekkers with cheers and applause at the end of the day.

“It was quite emotional,” they said.

The final day began before dawn, with the group setting off in darkness towards the Sun Gate. After hours of hiking, they were rewarded with their first view of Machu Picchu emerging in the morning light.

“It looked spectacular in the clear morning from Intipunku,” they recalled. “It was breathtaking.”

Following a guided tour of the ancient city, the group celebrated completing the challenge injury-free and reflected on the friendships, support and determination that had carried them through the journey.
Challenges like this not only raise vital funds for our services but also help start conversations about mental health, encouraging people to come together, support one another and make a positive difference in their communities. Corporate partnerships play a crucial role in helping us reach more people with the support they need, and Continued Care’s dedication throughout this challenge has been truly remarkable.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Sam, Mike, Olly, Ian, Gareth and everyone at Continued Care for their incredible fundraising efforts. Their determination, teamwork and commitment to supporting mental health are truly inspiring, and we are proud to share their story.

If you’d like to support our work and help ensure local people can access the mental health support they need, please visit our website to learn more about fundraising, corporate partnerships and getting involved.