Angmering man prepares to trek Inca Trail for St Barnabas

Simon Knivett, 20, of Brambletyne Close, Angmering, will raise money for St Barnabas House Hospice in Titnore Lane, when he joins a 23-person team to walk the Inca Trail next May.

The challenge has been organised by St Barnabas in an attempt to raise £56,000 to pay for one month of care for four of the patient rooms in the hospice’s new purpose built building.

The 25-mile trek will include climbing the mountain Machu Picchu.

Simon is currently undergoing physiotherapy several times a week to strengthen his knee, which has suffered from severe cartilage damage after a series of tears over the past six years.

“I am really looking forward to the climb but I am a bit nervous about my knee,” he said.

“The physio is going well so, hopefully, it should be ok.”

A few members of the team, including Simon, are also planning to climb Mount Snowdon or Ben Nevis in the winter as part of their training.

All trekkers are expected to raise £3,200 to take part in the trek.

Simon has already collected around £1,000, and has organised a number of events in Worthing, including a quiz and ploughman’s supper on the September 16 at the Worthing Bridge Club, Byron Road.

Simon is also taking part in a sponsored dog walk over the South Downs, which will start at Highdown Tea Rooms, Highdown Hill, on September 25.

Simon has also been offered a discount for his climbing gear from Peglers Expedition Suppliers, in Arundel, to help him on his way.

He said: “Everyone is being really supportive and even doing some of the fund-raising on my behalf, which is fantastic of them.”

Sloane Vaughan, fund-raising manager for St Barnabas House, said: “Building and equipping our new hospice was an amazing achievement, but our challenge now is to raise the £4 million we need each year to run our services.

“Every step that our Inca team take will help pay for patient care at St Barnabas House.”