TRAVEL consultants and corporate team members from Bournemouth-based Not Just Travel have completed the "arduous" Inca Trail in Peru.

The team of 21 walked up to nine hours a day to raise more than £10,000 for breast cancer charity Pink Ribbon Foundation.  

The charity was chosen in honour of one of the company’s consultants, former police officer Rachael Coyne, who has twice survived multiple types of breast cancer while running her travel business.  

Nicknamed the ‘Breast Trek Ever’ and starting on October 9, Not Just Travel partnered with G Adventures to take on the 25-mile challenge, reaching altitudes of 4,200m.

(Image: PR)

On one night, the group even woke at 2am to trek the final stretch to step through the famous Sun Gate to the forgotten city of Machu Picchu.  

Laura Simpson, head of experience and operations, said: “I can’t believe we’ve made it. I’ve done marathons and ultramarathons, but this is the hardest thing I've ever done. 

“There have been highs and lows along the way with tears and many of us struggling with altitude sickness but we’ve also had an incredible time getting to know each other and our amazing guides who have carried our supplies, fed us and kept us going.” 

Lisa Allen, of The Pink Ribbon Foundation, said: "What Not Just Travel’s team have accomplished is simply astonishing.  

“It sounds like they truly worked hard, tackling altitude sickness and fatigue, to raise vital funds. We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them.” 

Tom Buck, global purpose specialist at G Adventures, who hosted the trek, said: "I’m incredibly inspired by everyone who joined us in Peru for the ‘Breast Trek Ever’.  

“It’s been a pleasure for G Adventures to support this trek, and I want to give a big thank you to our team of CEOs and porters on the ground for making it such a success.  

“For some, it was the toughest challenge of their lives, but there’s so much power in coming together to raise funds for such an important cause."