Mary is taking on the Lost City in Columbia to help provide meals for vulnerable people in Folkestone and surrounding areas.
On the 8th June, Mary is travelling to Columbia to start her challenge and taking on the Lost City to raise money to support local vulnerable people.
She will spend the next six days covering 42 miles exploring Colombia and the Lost City, trekking deep into the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, and uncovering the ancient Lost City, Ciudad Perdida.
During her time, Mary will meet the indigenous communities living in the heart of the jungle and learn about their traditions and way of life.
The money raised will be gifted to Streetz2Streetz, a local food company run by Jackie & Jane. We caught up with the ladies to find out more about why they do what they do:
Work isn’t just work for us, it’s
- The reason some elderly folk get up, join in and eat in the communal lounge on the day we visit their residential home.
- The reason a kid is excited is to see us coming every week to buy their dinner.
- To be a helping hand for some who don’t want to cook once a week, especially as they are on their own.
- To be an ear to some who are going through a tough time.
- To provide a community hub once a week to villages where everyone can catch up with friends and neighbours.
From this, we wanted to do more in the community, so we started giving out free meals to people who were down on their luck, no questions asked.
This led us to join the ‘Suspended Coffee scheme’ where people can buy a drink or meal for others (Pay it forward), especially as people following us wanted to be a part of this to help others who were hungry or vulnerable.
But we still wanted to do more, so we started helping to feed the homeless nine years ago. Since then, we have helped out families who are struggling, worked alongside the Rainbow Centre, and helped whomever we can when needed. We are the luckiest girls alive.
Thank you for what you do! To follow their amazing journey and to see when their are serving food new year, find them on Facebook. The money raised from Mary’s challenge will go towards funding more meals for the ladies to hand out.
We spoke to Mary about why she is doing this challenge:
Why have you picked this challenge?
In 2013, I climbed Machu Picchu; I love to see other places and cultures. I saw this was a new challenge when I looked at the different walks, I liked the fact not many people had done it and it wasnt that well known. I like to push myself, and I also love the history of these places.
What are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to learning about the region’s history, meeting the indigenous tribes, and experiencing nature at its fullest. I am also looking forward to spending quality time with my son who is joining me.
What will you find the hardest?
I have never had to deal with humidity before; I struggle in the sun, so this will be tough. I am hoping the mosquito will leave me alone! I am also not looking forward 1200 steps to the top!
