A FUNDRAISER scaled new heights as she completed a trail in Peru.

Maria Whyte, from Old Coach Drive, High Wycombe decided to get involved in the Cancer Research UK International Challenge after a close friend was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Training for the expedition to Machu Picchu began last August and Maria, who works for Wycombe District Council, trained at the gym three times a week to help prepare herself for the journey. She also took part in ten mile walks in the run up to the challenge.

Apart from the training side of the challenge, the 35-year-old also held a number of events to help raise money for the trip. They included an auction, disco, baking cakes and she also sold advertising space on her classic car - a 1972 MGB Roadster.

The actual challenge took place on May 13 and took ten days to complete.

Maria, alongside other members of the 33 strong group, camped and climbed through rough terrain to reach the mountain ridge Machu Picchu.

The journey also saw Maria reach new heights as the trek took her up to 4,000 metres.

She added: "I just wanted to try and do something to help out.

"All the hours put into the fundraising and training were so worth it.

"To have the opportunity to raise money for such a worthy cause and take part on such an incredible trek has been the single most awesome experience of my life. I feel so privileged and humbled."

In total, Maria has raised £5,436.80 for Cancer Research UK and the group total raised after the trip was a staggering £150,000.

Maria would like to thank all those who sponsored her and gave particular thanks to The Bodyfit Centre, Desborough Park Industrial Estate, who sponsored her fitness training.

She added: "The whole experience was just incredible and overwhelming and I'm grateful to everyone who sponsored me."