AS FORMER headteacher of St Luke’s School, Jane Cordes knows a thing or two about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the impact it can have on people’s lives.

Jane, now an educational consultant, left her post at the special school for children with educational needs late last year and is now trying to help the ADHD Foundation expand its reach into the south of England.

The 44-year-old is in training to trek the Inca Trail to the ancient site of Machu Picchu to help raise funds for the charity, in conjunction with Sport Relief.

Joining her in March on the 43km trek to the World Heritage Site 7,970ft above sea level will be Kirk Norcross, of The Only Way is Essex fame – himself an ADHD sufferer – although she admits she is not too sure who exactly he is.

“I’m sure he’s a lovely guy but I have no idea who he is, yet,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge – it’s a bucket list experience and I know people might think it’s a holiday but it will be very tough and I have paid for the trip myself.

“None of the sponsorship money goes towards the costs of the trip.

“I’ve been training quite a bit, and went to the gym every day last week, but now I’ve got a cold so perhaps I overdid it.

“I’ve worked in education for more than 20 years and always with children with special educational needs so this is an opportunity to give something back.

“The main misconception is that children with ADHD are just naughty but it is a medical condition and it affects how they deal with situations. The work we did at St Luke’s, for example, was to teach them coping strategies and show them they can be successful and achieve in life.”

The ADHD Foundation was set up in 2007 to support children, young people and their families living with ADHD.

Kirk Norcross said: “As someone who suffers from ADHD, I know first-hand how difficult it can be growing up with the illness and how challenging it can be at times for the families and friends of sufferers.

“I am really excited to be taking part in this charity climb and so pleased to be raising awareness for the ADHD Foundation.”

Sport Relief takes place from Friday to Sunday, March 21-23, and for the first time the public can run, swim or cycle in the new Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games. For more on how to join in, visit sportrelief.com.

The ADHD Foundation was set up in 2007 to support children, young people and their families living with ADHD, a condition characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity and low emotional resilience. For more about the foundation, visit www.adhdfoundation.org.uk or call 0151 237 2661.

To sponsor Jane, visit www.virgin moneygiving.com/ JaneCordes