Two North East mums are taking on a huge challenge to give back to those who helped them when they needed it most.
Debbie Clelland and Joanne Brown both received help from a local charity to get vital equipment for their special needs children.
And now they are joining a charity trek across Peru to raise the much-needed money to help other kids in the region.
The Sunshine Fund dedicates its time to purchasing specialist equipment for disabled children in the North East and the trek is just one of many annual events.
The 2019 trek in May is going to be to the National Three Peaks in the UK while last year's trek was to Kerala in India.
The 2020 challenge will see volunteers heading out to Peru to trek the world famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, raising funds along the way to enhance the lives of disabled children across the North East.
The 10 day event will see trekkers travel to Cusco in Peru to take on the challenge of a lifetime.
Before heading out on the Inca Trail, trekkers will also have the opportunity to meet some of the local children with disabilities that the charity supports.
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With the trek limited to 20 people, 50% of the trek is already booked up with previous trekkers and members of the Sunshine Fund team, but two very special ladies were first to get their names on the list.
Debbie, 46, and Joanne, 43, have both supported the fund for many years after their children were gifted equipment not available on the NHS.
Debbie is now employed at the Sunshine Fund as a Community Co-ordinator.
Her daughter Abbie, now 17, was born with Microchepaly, a congenital condition linked with incomplete development of the brain.
Her condition means she is severely developmentally delayed and is wheelchair-bound.
She received her own hydrotherapy pool from the fund which would have cost the family almost £5,000.
Debbie, from North Walbottle, said: "This will be my third overseas trek with the charity and I can't think of a better place to go than Machu Picchu!
"The support that my family have received from The Sunshine Fund has been amazing and it is a fantastic feeling to give back to the charity by raising funds to help other families and their children who are desperately in need of equipment."
Sam Brown, now eight, was given an all-terrain beach-buggy to help him spend time with his family.
The North Shields youngster was born with Arthrogryposis, a condition which contracts the muscles and tendons, and means he needs regular surgery.
Mum Joanne said: "The Sunshine Fund have supported us as a family for years and it's a fantastic charity who provide so many children with equipment to enhance their lives and enable them to join in with siblings and friends.
"I'm equally terrified and excited to do the trek for such a wonderful cause and couldn't think of a better way to raise money."
Lauren Thompson, from the Sunshine Fund, added: "With places still available, we're interested to hear from individuals who would like to take part in the trek next year with us.
"Trekking and fundraising experience is not required as we always get such a variety of people from all walks of life taking part.
"To get involved or simply find out more, contact debbie.clelland@reachplc.com or call 0191 201 6090."
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