Warrington Visually Impaired People (VIP) charity Trustee, Lisa Sperrin, has completed a demanding multi-day jungle trek across Cuba, raising vital funds for the charity in memory of her mum, Anna, who sadly passed away last year.
Lisa took on the challenge alongside her sister, Doris, pushing themselves through steep mountain terrain, tropical heat, heavy rain, mist, and remote jungle conditions, all in support of a charity that had been a lifeline to their mum for many years.
The journey began on 23 January with a light-hearted start at customs, when a security officer unpacked Lisa’s carefully organised backpack, pulling out a bra first, much to everyone’s amusement. “It took me hours to pack that bag,” Lisa joked, “and that’s the first thing he pulls out!” Determined and in good spirits, the sisters continued their journey to Heathrow, even improvising transport when airport pods broke down.
After arriving safely in Cuba on 26 January, Lisa shared daily updates with supporters back home. The group acclimatised in Havana before travelling deep into the jungle near Hanabanilla, where the real challenge began. Highlights included visits to coffee and sugar cane plantations, lunch at Las Palmas Ranch, and trekking through tropical fruit farms, alongside less glamorous realities such as cold showers, power cuts, and no internet. Eat your heart out I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, as the sisters swapped luxury for jungle camps, muddy trails, and plenty of aching muscles.
Describing the experience, Lisa said: “This has to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It made Ben Nevis seem easy! The weather was rainy and misty, we were camping in the jungle, and my legs were burning, but the people, the place, and the whole experience were absolutely amazing. I don’t know why I agree to these things, but I’m so glad I did!”
The trek took the sisters and their fellow walkers past stunning waterfalls such as Vegas Grande, through rugged jungle terrain, and all the way to the historic city of Trinidad, where the group celebrated completing the challenge together.
Lisa, who became a trustee of Warrington VIP in 2025, said: “My sister and I took on this challenging trek across Cuba, no small feat in the Caribbean heat! I am incredibly proud to be raising funds in memory of our mum for Warrington VIP, an organisation that was her lifeline. She had been part of the charity for many years, and the support and friendships she found there meant the world to her. Before Mum passed, she told us to look after each other, stick together, and live life before it’s too late. Those words inspired me to take on this ultimate trek, pushing myself while supporting a cause so close to our hearts. Thank you so much for your support.”
Chair of Trustees Geoff Settle praised Lisa’s efforts, saying: “A new member of the VIP board and already making a great contribution to VIP.”
Throughout the trek, Lisa kept supporters updated with humour and honesty, from jungle camping and aching muscles to joining locals to cool off after long days of walking, and continued to encourage donations right up until the final day.
The fundraiser concluded with celebrations in Trinidad and a return to Havana, marking the successful end of an unforgettable journey.
So far the fundraiser has raised £573 plus £108.75 in gift aid. Warrington VIP extends thanks to everyone who supported Lisa and her sister through donations, encouragement, and messages of goodwill. Funds raised will go directly towards improving services and opportunities for people with visual impairments in the Warrington area.
Donations are still welcome and can be made via https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/donate?cid=145469 referencing Lisa’s Trek in the leave a message section.
