Greenock Grandmother Takes on Inca Trail Trek to Celebrate 11 Years in Remission from Breast Cancer
Elizabeth MacKenzie, co-founder of Wet Wall Works and Bathroom Elegance, will soon embark on a 26-mile trek through the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. This challenging journey, which will be completed alongside her husband Alister and son Stuart, is not just a personal accomplishment but also a way to raise money for amputees across Scotland.
Liz’s motivation for the trek stems from her own battle with breast cancer. In March 2014, at the age of 50, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease with fewer treatment options and a higher risk of recurrence. However, thanks to her early diagnosis and proactive approach, Liz was able to undergo a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and is now celebrating 11 years in remission.
Reflecting on her experience, Liz says, “It was a shock. I’m only here today because of my early diagnosis. I found a lump early and did something about it.” She was working as a teacher at Clydeview Academy in Inverclyde at the time of her diagnosis, and the physical and emotional toll of the treatment was life-changing.
“It was gruelling. You also have the fear of the cancer coming back. Psychologically, trying to return to work was very difficult. I felt I couldn’t cope physically. I had lost all my hair, and emotionally I lost all my confidence.”
Ultimately, Liz made the decision to step away from teaching and, with the support of her husband, launched Wet Wall Works alongside the family’s existing business, Bathroom Elegance. Her journey since then has been one of resilience, gratitude, and giving back.
In addition to hosting an annual garden party with other survivors, where they ring a brass bell once for every year in remission, Liz decided to mark this year’s 11-year milestone by taking on a bigger challenge. She, Alister, and Stuart will be camping overnight, hiking 10km a day, and reaching altitudes of over 4,200m as they trek through the Inca Trail.
“It will be quite a challenge. The high altitude and the humidity will be the worst thing. We’ll be camping out overnight and walking around 10km a day. We’ve got a Guiding and Scouting background, and we love the outdoors. I’m sure it will be fine.”
The family is proudly sponsoring the trek through their businesses so that every penny raised can go directly to Finding Your Feet (FYF), Scotland’s leading charity supporting people affected by amputation or limb absence. Liz chose FYF after connecting with the charity’s founder, quadruple amputee Cor Hutton, during a holiday in Dubrovnik. Cor, who lost both hands and feet after sepsis and later became the first person in the UK to receive a double hand transplant, created the charity to support others facing limb loss.
“You realize how precious life is. Just being here for my granddaughter Charley is so important. She is the apple of my eye,” says Liz.
Her positive mindset has been a crucial factor in her journey to recovery, and she hopes to inspire others to adopt the same attitude. “I think the secret is having a positive mindset. That helped me get through my cancer treatment. Having a positive mindset is not just a cliché.”
Hundreds of people in Scotland lose a limb every year, often through cancer, diabetes, trauma, sepsis, vascular disease, accidents, addiction, or meningitis. Finding Your Feet offers vital support through peer communities, emotional wellbeing support, fitness clubs, and opportunities for people to rebuild confidence and connection after amputation.
The trek is being self-funded, so all donations will go directly to support amputees across Scotland. To support Liz’s campaign, please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/wetwallworks
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.