An Earby woman has described her South American trek as “an amazing experience” as she raised £7,200 for charity.
Nicola Haines (25), of Highfield Road, completed the five day hike in the Peruvian mountains in May.
On her return to the UK, Nicola presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Barnoldswick and Earby Bosom Friends at an event held at Earby Cricket Club with the remaining £6,200 presented to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Nicola decided to remove herself from the comfort zone of her self-admitted “girly” lifestyle and throw herself in the deep end with a gruelling five day walk to Machu Picchu after her father Robert was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Nicola said that she wanted to say “thank you” and give something back to those who have supported the family through a tough period.
She says the only bit of glamour she had with her on the trip was a magazine of the same name and while Nicola admits she did not enjoy the camping aspect of the trip, she would go back tomorrow, but maybe stay in a “luxury tent”.
Nicola said: “I hated the camping, absolutely hated it. I really struggled with no mirror or shower or being able to wash my hair for a few days.
“But it was just amazing. I think I’ve also made a couple of friends for life.
“The walk itself was not as physically challenging as I expected it would be and I think my training certainly helped with that. The altitude made me feel dizzy more than anything else.
“It was a fantastic experience and one that I will never forget. I would recommend anybody to do it and I would happily go back again tomorrow and do it, minus the camping!”