Axis Head of AI joins the Machu Picchu Group Challenge to support Demelza

Raees Gillani, Axis’ Head of AI and Innovation,took on Machu Picchu to raise money for our charity partner Demelza. His incredible adventure saw him take on the challenge of hiking through the Andes to reach the famous lost city of the Incas!

His first two days of arriving in Cusco were tough due to the altitude: after overcoming the difficulties, it became a fun and memorable journey!

Raees said “The views and steepness of the city were just incredible and the level of exposure to nature during the trail itself was very magical.”

Demelza organises fundraising events and opportunities throughout the year, including big group adventures such a taking on Machu Picchu, the Paris Marathon, and the Demelza-to-Demelza bike ride.

As Raees explained, the benefits of a group challenge include the support from the rest of the team: ‘”My fellow fundraisers were incredibly kind and supportive, encouraging everyone to keep going and to push through each day, with mini celebrations at each milestone.”

Describing the whole experience, Raees said “The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is very similar to what I imagine a religious pilgrimage to be like, a difficult journey that will never end but then culminates into something very profound and beautiful.”

Raees and the whole group did an incredible job of fundraising; collectively raising over £136,504 for Demelza!!