Twenty-nine fundraisers have raised over £58,000 for The Forever Friends Appeal by completing one of the world’s most iconic trekking trails, the awe-inspiring Inca Trail in Peru. The group included hospital staff and locals from Midsomer Norton, Clandown, Paulton and Journal Editor, Becky Brooks. She was joined by Karen Burge, from Midsomer Norton, who completed the RUH’s first challenge of this kind, the Great Wall of China trek, back in 2014.

The group signed up to the Appeal’s Inca Trail challenge months in advance of departure, with the goal to trek up to 52km at high altitude to the lost city of the Incas to earn every bit of their sponsorship. As well as training to take on the tough physical challenge, they have spent a lot of their spare time fundraising by holding cake sales, car boots, quiz nights, and bucket collections.

The total amount raised will go towards the Appeal’s major campaigns; the Cancer Centre and the RNHRD and Therapies Centre, which will both be built near the front of the Royal United Hospital, (RUH) Bath.

The charity challenge began in the Inca capital, Cusco, with an acclimatisation trek at an altitude of 3,200m. The next day, they set off to conquer the one and only Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu – the world’s most important archaeological find and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

As well as enduring six to eight hours per day of walking across tough terrain, the group camped under the stars each night, and climbed from 3,000m to 4,200m reaching iconic features such as the ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, passing through cloud forests, and reaching a glacier. On the third day they conquered two remaining mountain passes and reached the Sun Gate on day four with the view of Machu Picchu, which they then explored.

Daniela Weate, from Frome said: “I wanted to do the Inca Trail trek because my sister Jules and I had Machu Picchu on our ‘bucket list’. But sadly, she died of cancer before we got to do it together. So, when I heard about The Forever Friends Appeal challenge, I thought it was a great opportunity to do ‘our trek’ and raise money for the RUH’s new Cancer Centre.

“My favourite memory was on the route up to Dead Woman’s Pass. Four of us struggled with the altitude, but we looked after each other, and were helped by our two amazing guides. We called ourselves ‘the Musketeers’, and laughed and cried our way along the route. The whole team became an amazing, supportive family.”

Chris Scott, from Neston said: “I’m so glad I achieved the trek. It was far more challenging than I expected, but the scenery and wildlife were amazing – I loved seeing humming birds and wild orchids; it was something I will never forget, along with the emotional feeling I had (a few tears were shed) when we passed through the Sun Gate at the entrance of Machu Picchu.”

Becky Brooks, Journal Editor, adds: “This was the most incredible experience and the toughest thing I have ever done. Walking at altitude is so difficult; it feels like there is an elephant on your chest, and there were times when we didn’t know how to put one foot in front of the other.

“As a group, we dealt with torrential rain and cold, intense heat, mosquitoes and altitude sickness; but all the time I was focused on the reason we were there – for people very dear to us who are no longer with us; and for those who will benefit so greatly from this new Cancer Centre. I’d like to thank everyone locally who has supported me, for your interest and your kindness – and particularly to Mardons Social Club, Welton Rovers and Terry and Caroline Wynne MBE for helping me raise just short of £2,000.

“This is the third trek I’ve completed for the hospital now, and I’m so proud to say that with your help, I have raised nearly £13,000 for the new Cancer Centre. I really couldn’t have found that amount without you all. Thank you so very much.”

With the success of the Inca Trail Trek, The Forever Friends Appeal are now looking for another group of adventurous fundraisers to take part in their 2018 Grand Canyon trek. As well as taking on this natural wonder, the trek also includes hiking the trails of two other National Parks in South West USA, Zion Canyon and Bryce Canyon.

An information evening will be held at the RUH on Tuesday, 23rd January 2018 with talks from the trek leader of Global Adventure Challenge who work with The Forever Friends Appeal team, and there’ll be an opportunity to hear some of the experiences from the Peru trekkers. To book your place call Laura on: 01225 821535 or: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk