Machu Picchu mission for ‘Sutton 8’

Hairdresser Louise Slinger from Louisa John Hair and Beauty in Garstang saidthe Inca Trail adventure was both to honour the memory of the late Bob Sutton – husband of her best friend Viki – and to raise cash for vital research.

Bob died last year, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.

Louise said: “We decided to up our game with fundraising.”

Louise and Viki were joined by Phil Singh, Helen Sutton, Trish Parkinson, Emma Dickinson and Claire Davies, who together call themselves the Sutton 8.

The trip was self-funded and Louise stressed every penny raised will go to Cancer Research UK.

She said the trek had been exhausting but also exhilarating and included two days acclimatisation/ altitude training at Cusco.

Climbing to their highest altitude of 4,202 metres at Dead Woman’s Pass was a particular challenge, as Louise recalled: “When we got there we were above the clouds.

“It was literally walk three steps then stopping for breath.

“We were up at 5 am and started walking by 6.30am, We went to bed at 7pm.”

Another highlight was seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. Louise said: “I couldn’t stop crying. It was so emotional. It had been a real journey. For Viki it was blood, sweat and tears.”

The group organised a Sutton 82 Peru fundraising page on Just Giving.

Funds have just been boosted by a £5,000 donation from Bob’s former employers. The Louisa John Facebook page said: “So the Sutton 8 gang has just received another £5,000 for cancer research!! So far they have made just over £24,000...... can they reach £25,000?”