Littlehampton’s Inca trekkers left ‘overwhelmed’ by journey

And what an experience it has been. Sloane Vaughan, Lynda Coad and Ashlee Metcalfe, from Rustington, Gina Drake, from East Preston, Simon Knivett and Rob Martin from Angmering, Paul Searle from Wick, Worthing’s Anne Porter and Mia Dorricott, of Littlehampton, joined 23 others who managed to raise a staggering £119,000 for St Barnabas House hospice, in Worthing, by walking the gruelling route.

The team walked 10-hours a day for four days and nights, up the intimidating slopes of the Andes mountains, battling against illness and fatigue, to reach the iconic city.

Angmering Parish Council’s clerk, Rob Martin, took part in the trek and raised £3,300 for the hospice.

He had to contend with his fear of heights during the trek across the imposing mountain range

However, he said it was all worth while, adding: “Machu Picchu is an incredible place that I know I will never forget.”

Mum-of-two, Mia – who generated more than £3,600 for the hospice – said her time at the Incan city was an emotional journey that left her in tears.

Mia, 28, said: “Everyone was an emotional wreck by the time we got to Machu Picchu.

“It was strange, we felt fine for most of the trip. But when we got to the Sun Gate, overlooking the city, we all just welled up.

The pair thanked all those that helped them with the fund-raising ploys, over the past year.

For more about the trekkers’ experiences, read this week’s Littlehampton Gazette (Thursday, May 7).