Lifelong friends to tackle Inca Trail for charity

Edwina Weekes, 37 of Newlands Dental Surgery, along with friend Karen Goldstraw, 33, will reach an altitude of 4200m on the Inca Trail this May.

If they achieve their goal Karen will get BHF tattoo.

She said: “I thought the tattoo would be a good little target to have.

“I was thinking of choosing another challenge if I made even more money, but this one’s pretty permanent.”

They are paying for the costs of the trip themselves and have already raised over £2000 each.

Karen added: “One of the ladies I went to school with recently suffered a massive stroke at the age of 31.

“Luckily she’s a fighter and is making great progress, but it makes you realise that these conditions can affect anyone, and that the work of the British Heath Foundation is vital to overcoming them.”

The trail takes them through Warmiwanuska, also know as Dead Women Pass, which is the highest point of the trek.

Edwina, a Dental Nurse at Newlands Dental Surgery in Haywards Heath, said: “I’ve never done anything like this before.

“It’s going to be the biggest challenge ever, I’m most worried about the altitude.”

The hike ends at Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca site, where they say they hope to take in the beautiful views and revel in their achievement.

Edwina continued: “I’m excited, it’s tapping me on the shoulder now, I’m so excited to reach Machu Picchu when I’ve completed it, touch wood.”

The two hikers, who grew up together, have been going to the gym regularly and walking around Haywards Heath in preparation.

Karen added: “We’ll be with a group, so don’t worry about us falling off the mountain!”

Donate at www.justgiving.com/Edwina-Weekes or www.justgiving.com/Karen-Goldstraw1.