Alongside 31 adventurers, including nine amputees, Darren tackled altitudes up to 4,600 meters, covering 10-12 kilometers daily and braving temperature shifts from 25°C to near freezing—all to raise £60,000 for LimbPower. His journey highlights the strength of resilience, teamwork, and purpose.

What inspired you to take on such a physically demanding trek, especially given the challenges of being an amputee?

"I've always wanted to take on this challenge; it’s been at the top of my bucket list for years. About a year after my operation, LimbPower reached out with an email asking if anyone was interested in joining the Machu Picchu trek. I jumped at the opportunity. I'd already walked over the O2 arena with LimbPower, and this trek felt like the perfect next step."

The Ancascocha Trail is known for its rugged beauty and high altitude. How did you prepare physically and mentally for the trek?

"I trained for a year beforehand, focusing on building up my endurance and strength. I worked to make my stump stronger and my skin tougher to handle the demands of the trail. I also took up swimming and progressed from managing just two lengths to swimming a full kilometre. I’m a strong, resilient person by nature, and I wanted to be as prepared as possible for the challenges ahead."

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on the trail, both physically and emotionally, especially with the altitude and temperature changes?

One of the biggest challenges was dealing with altitude sickness—there’s really no way to fully prepare for that. We only had two days to acclimatise, which wasn’t enough, so we all experienced altitude sickness and sleep apnea. At night, we’d wake up gasping for air, feeling like we were suffocating, which was exhausting. Thankfully, this improved by the middle and end of the trek. The distance itself wasn’t an issue since I’m used to long-distance walking; before my accident, I completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours.

With a group of 32, including 9 amputees, the sense of camaraderie must have been strong. Could you share a memorable moment or an instance of team support that stood out?

There were nine amputees on the team, along with able-bodied participants, many of whom were doctors or professionals in the prosthetics industry. A memorable part of the journey was the incredible support I received at four pit stops, where team members helped adjust my prosthetic limb to prevent wear and tear. They could assess my gait and ensure everything was just right. The camaraderie went both ways; the non-amputees learned resilience from the amputees. Often, when they felt like stopping, they kept going because they saw us pushing through—it was a powerful experience of mutual encouragement and support."

Raising £60,000 for LimbPower is a fantastic achievement. What does this accomplishment mean to you, and how do you hope these funds will make an impact?

LimbPower aims to build an app that will serve as a central hub, offering advice, support, exercise routines, and a shared community—all in one place and accessible worldwide. Right now, amputees often rely on scattered Facebook pages for support, but having everything unified in one app would provide a much stronger, more cohesive support network for people everywhere."

How has this experience influenced your perspective on resilience and overcoming obstacles, especially as an educator?

I’ve always valued resilience and drive, but this experience taught me even more about myself and pushed me to set new personal standards. Connecting with other amputees and forming strong friendships was incredibly rewarding, and I fully immersed myself in the Peruvian culture along the way. Our guide, Harry, was an Inca with deep knowledge of South American heritage, and his insights into Inca history and philosophy were invaluable. I look forward to incorporating these perspectives into my curriculum as Head of Religion and Philosophy, enriching my students' understanding of South American cultures and beliefs."

What is your next Challenge?

"My next big challenge would be Kilimanjaro, if I get the opportunity—now that I have a better idea of what to expect on a trek like this. In the near term, I’ll keep walking and swimming to maintain my fitness. I’d also love to take on the famous pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, someday."