A TEAM of charity fundraisers have set off to trek the famous Inca Trail in Peru in aid of Penarth's Marie Curie Hospice.

The 17-strong team of intrepid trekkers set off on their 10-day trek on Friday, May 1.

The group, consisting of local supporters, Marie Curie staff and volunteers, have tirelessly spent the last 18 months training hard and fundraising to reach their minimum target of £3750 each.

A Marie Curie spokeswoman said: "We are thrilled to announce that they have raised over £65,000 for the local hospice already, and with money still coming in from sponsorship and events they are likely to raise a considerable amount of money for Marie Curie.

"The group will spend 10 days trekking through the Peruvian jungle, taking in the dramatic landscape and sights of the former Royal Inca – enduring long days of hill climbing and altitude in parts as they reach the famous Macchu Picchu ruins.

"This is a challenge not for the faint hearted and we would like to wish them a safe journey and a big thank you for all their amazing support. Also a big thank you goes out to Edwards Coaches who have supplied a coach for free to take our group to Heathrow Airport and pick them back up."

She added: "If you fancy doing something similar then please come along to our information evening that we are holding at the Marie Curie Hospice on Bridgeman road, Penarth on Tuesday, June 3, at 6pm. You will get the chance to hear about our exciting new trek to Costa Rica in 2016 which will be launching shortly. For more information on this trek or any of are other overseas challenges please call the fundraising office on 02920 426068 or email helen.mulhern@hotmail.co.uk."