An 84-year-old Yorkshire resident is set to embark on a mountainous trek across Albania to raise funds for a terminal illness charity.
Liz Madden from Bingley will navigate the remote Zagoria Valley over five days later this month, covering distances of up to 10 miles daily while encountering challenging ascents and descents as part of the fundraising venture.
The former nurse indicated that her enthusiasm for walking has carried her to destinations worldwide, though she now pursues adventures in support of a cause that holds significant personal meaning.
Madden is collecting donations for Marie Curie following the end-of-life care the organisation provided to her mother.
She noted that the assistance offered to her family made a profound and lasting impact.
Madden stated that the compassion, kindness and respect shown to her mother, along with the support extended to their family, would remain forever in her memory, motivating her to contribute something in return.
The charity delivers palliative care and assistance to individuals with terminal conditions and their families throughout the United Kingdom.
Despite her age, Madden demonstrates no inclination to reduce her level of activity.
Over the years she has accomplished expeditions across multiple continents, including journeys through Peru, Iceland, India and Borneo.
One particularly notable achievement was a jungle expedition in Borneo, during which she was informed that she had become the oldest individual ever to finish the route.
Madden recalled that she was 83 years old at the time and acknowledged that certain sections of the jungle presented significant fall hazards, though she successfully completed the challenge with the local guides expressing considerable admiration.
Madden also accomplished the celebrated ascent to Machu Picchu in Peru, describing her view of sunrise across the ancient Incan ruins as a deeply moving experience.
Madden explained that the scale of the site proved genuinely astonishing when observed from above.
Madden’s enthusiasm for trekking originated after a companion suggested she attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks route.
Initially, she harboured doubts about her ability to complete such a challenge.
She admitted that she had not believed she could manage it, yet the pair completed the route in just over ten hours and she subsequently recognised her capability for similar undertakings.
This experience ignited a spirit of adventure that has persisted for more than thirty years.
The forthcoming Albanian expedition will guide Madden through striking landscapes featuring mountain paths, historic settlements and cascading waters.
Participants will be accommodated in family-run guesthouses while completing daily walks spanning between four and nine miles.
Despite being of an age when many individuals might consider reducing their physical activities, Madden remains dedicated to her preparations for the approaching challenge.
She expressed that each training walk reinforces her motivation, stating that the fundraising effort honours her mother, the charity and the families who depend on their services.
Madden also noted that she values the companionship, enjoyment and lasting bonds that develop during every expedition.