An intrepid father-of-two will be swapping his usual haunts for the mountains and jungles of Peru to raise money for a hospice.

Jason Palmer, aged 38, of Hednesford will be taking part in a week-long trek through the foothills of the Andes to the lost city of Machu Picchu this October driven by his desire to help Whittington-based St Giles Hospice, which has cared for his father David for over two years.

The estimator for Laser Process, based in Hednesford, is fundraising because he is grateful for the support being offered to his dad who attends St Giles Day Hospice. Mr Palmer said: “Dad really enjoys the social side of going to St Giles each week and actually gets quite grumpy when he can’t go.

“I think he can talk to people there about his illness without feeling he is causing any additional worry to his family, and the St Giles staff are very caring towards him and even phone when he’s not been to see how we all are.”

The 78-year-old former trainee jockey who served in the RAF, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer affecting his bone marrow, in March 2006.

Despite being in and out of hospital many times, including nearly a month in intensive care following an emergency operation, as well as suffering a stroke and a heart attack he remains resolute about fighting cancer.

Jason said: “I have never done anything like this before, but I’ve started training with a friend who is also taking part, and I’m receiving a lot of valuable support from family and friends.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Machu Picchu and having never been that far away before I can’t help telling everyone about it. It’s going to be an amazing experience, better still because I’m doing it for St Giles.

“I do worry that he might not be here for me to tell him about the trek because I would love to share it with him, but Dad’s always said he’s not going anywhere until he’s ready. He’s a fighter and I’m proud to be his son.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor Jason and the team of Inca Trekkers can call the St Giles Hospice fundraising department on 01543 432538 or log on to www.justgiving.com/jason palmer2 for more information.