A STUDENT from Daglingworth took on the challenge of a six day trek to the abandoned city of Machu Picchu in Peru last month to raise vital funds for Worldwide Cancer Research (WCR).

Victoria Downie, who studies philosophy at Exeter University, joined 35 of her fellow students on the trip, each of whom had a fundraising target of £2,290.

She managed to raise over £3,000 in total, with donations still flooding in, and as she funded the trip herself, every penny she raised will go to WCR.

“My target was to raise over £2,000 and I had no idea how difficult that would be,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot in how to do that; a challenge in itself.

“I did the usual things, pub quizzes, car boot sales, coffee mornings, asking my friends and relatives.

“Thank you to Tanners Solicitors, Rock The Cotswolds, Foxy Ladies Catering and Oily Rag for their support.”

Over one million people visit the 15th century Inca site every year and it was an experience Victoria says she won’t forget.

“It went beyond the expectations,” she said. “I was so tired by the time we got to the top of the climb but it was instantly worth it.

“We arrived at the town below the site the day before, then got up at 5am the next day and did the climb.

“It was just incredible; a bit surreal.

Victoria chose to take part in the trip and support WCR as it was a cause close to her heart.

“Cancer is something that unfortunately affects many people,” she said.

“For me, I didn’t know my dad’s parents because of it.

“We can make a difference by helping research into this awful disease.

“I wanted to challenge myself while raising funds for WCR; I think the trek does that.”

Victoria has exceeded her target but you can still donate via her JustGiving page at justgiving.com/Vicki-Downie.