A GROUP of 28 fundraisers have raised more than £110,000 for Marie Curie in Wales after trekking through the Vietnamese countryside.

The team included Marie Curie nurses, volunteers, and family members of those cared for by the charity, with the proceeds going to people in need across the country - including Penarth’s own Marie Curie hospice.

They tackled demanding daily hikes of up to eight hours and took on the valleys and paddy fields of northern Vietnam.

Lisa Richards, a Marie Curie nurse from Rhuddlan, was part of the group and has raised more than £7,000 for the charity’s services across Wales.

Ms Richards has been working for the charity for almost 14 years and lost six stone in preparation for the challenge.

She said: “I am always amazed by the fantastic fundraisers who work tirelessly giving their time and energy to raise money for the charity, so that’s why this year I wanted to be a part of that process.

“I was supported every step of the way on the trek by a fantastic group of people who lifted me up when I stumbled and made me feel like I’d known them forever and I’ve really made friends for life.”

Mariclare Carey-Jones, a BBC journalist and broadcaster and ambassador for the charity’s Cardiff and the Vale hospice, took part in the challenge.

“As an ambassador for the Vale hospice I know how important fundraising is in order to ensure the organisation can continue providing vital care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families,” she said.

“Knowing I could give something back to this fantastic charity that has done so much for me and my family was my main motivation for signing up to the Vietnam trek, while the opportunity to experience a new country and undertake an amazing challenge was a real added bonus.”

Now the charity is calling on people to sign up for its next trek to Patagonia, which will see funds raised for the Marie Curie Nursing Service across Wales - including care in the home and the hospice.

Last year, Marie Curie nurses cared for more than 3,000 patients and their families across Wales, at a cost of more than £8m a year.

Hannah Leckie, community fundraiser for Cardiff and the Vale, said: “Our treks are always very popular, whether it’s with people looking to take on a new challenge in a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, or those whose family has been cared for at the hospice and want to give something back.

“We think Patagonia could be the best adventure yet.

“It will be offering all those taking part the trip of a lifetime while raising money for such an important local cause.”

To find out more about the Patagonia trek and to register your place, visit: https://tinyurl.com/qpxnlf8