DONATIONS have been flooding in for Tanya Savage, who is embarking on a 26-mile trek to raise money for terminally ill children following the sudden death of her only son Jack.

Tanya said she has decided to brave Peru’s Inca trail which climbs up 4,200 metres, to help kids who have not been given the chance to live a life as outgoing, fun-filled and free as Jack had.

Jack, 20, was killed in a car crash on the A419 in May. His friend Jack Hiscock, who was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, was sentenced last week to 28 months in prison, at Swindon Crown Court, after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. It came after an emotional appeal to the judge by Tanya and husband Steve to spare Hiscock jail.

In the past five days alone, Tanya has collected £600, bringing her total up to approximately £2,300.

Cash raised from her challenge, which will see her crossing jungles and climbing mountains, will go towards the Make-a-Wish Foundation – a charity set up to provide children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses a once in a lifetime experience.

Tanya said it was something she had always thought about doing.

“I never really had a purpose before to do it,” said Tanya. “When I think of Jack it helps me know while he was alive he lived a very full and happy life – that was the type of person he was.

“He fitted so much into life.

“But there are children out there, and parents out there, who aren’t able to enjoy life as much. That’s why I want to raise as much money as I can for Make-a-Wish, who are able to bring some happiness into the lives of those children.”

Tanya will fly over to Peru in May, which marks the first year anniversary of Jack’s death.

Andy Holland, events and challenges manager at Make-A-Wish, said “The Inca trail is an exciting but gruelling challenge and we are extremely grateful to Tanya for selecting Make-A-Wish Foundation UK as the beneficiary of her trek.

“Her efforts will go towards helping grant the wishes of poorly children and bringing a smile to their faces.”

Messages on Tanya’s Justgiving page include ‘Brave, strong and an inspiration to everyone. Sending all my luck and best wishes’, by someone who did not leave a name and ‘I have been so touched by your story. Wishing you all the very best with your charity work and fundraising’.

Anyone wishing to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/Tanya-Savage