​Six day Peru trek to raise cash for MND Scotland

A chef from Aberdeen is to backpack her way around the Andes to raise money for best friend Lucy Lintott.

Pippa Cortis, 23, from Drybridge in Buckie (pictured left with Lucy right), will be backpacking through the Andes Mountains this September in aid of her childhood friend who was diagnosed with MND at just 19 years old.

She will trek for six days to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, with 25 other MND Scotland fundraisers.

Pippa said: “When Lucy was diagnosed it was such a shock to me. I knew there was something wrong but had no idea it was MND.

“Since Lucy's diagnosis we've been on some amazing adventures together. We've been to Italy twice, travelled to the other side of the world together, scuba-dived the Great Barrier Reef, been to concerts and in October we are off to Iceland.

“Next year I'm having the amazing honour of having Lucy as my bridesmaid.”

Iain McWhirter, head of fundraising and volunteering at MND Scotland, said “Since her diagnosis Lucy Lintott has helped raise so much awareness of MND and funds to help support others across the country and it is fantastic to see her friends getting involved and supporting her too.

“This experience will be like none other and Pippa’s motivation and positivity to do something to support her best friend will keep her going to the end. We’re all wishing Pippa and the rest of the team the best of luck!”

Pippa has set up a Justgiving page for donations.