Peru-trek gran raises £3,000 for hospice

11:11am Friday 4th July 2008

A GRAN has trekked across Peru in South America to raise more than £3,000 for Bolton Hospice.

Cancer survivor Jean Partington, aged 65, spent four days walking the Inca Trail - and even reached its highest point of 14,000 feet above sea level.

The grandmother-of-three was determined to complete the challenge after losing her father and sister to cancer and beating the disease herself 17 years ago.

Mrs Partington, of Ryelands Court, Westhoughton, said: "The trek was absolutely fantastic. It was very strenuous but certainly worth it.

"The local people were amazing, even though they're living in poverty.

They always have a smile on their face and give you such a warm greeting."

After arriving in Peru, Mrs Partington spent her first few days in a hotel acclimatising to the conditions.

Then the former nursing home carer set out on her trek, sleeping in tents along the way.

She had to endure scorching heat during the day and freezing conditions at night.

After her trek, Mrs Partington spent a few days visiting the lost city of Machu Picchu before travelling back to Bolton.

Her father, Bernard Kelly, died of cancer of the spine in 1983, aged 69.

In 1991 she was diagnosed with tumours in her womb, aged just 47.

She underwent a hysterectomy and was given the all-clear five years later.

Tragedy struck the family again in 2001 when her sister, Barbara Swindles, was diagnosed with lung cancer.

The mother-of-three, who lived in Bolton, received treatment and respite care at the hospice, which is the inspiration behind Mrs Partington's fundraising.

Mrs Partington, who received a medal and certificate from the hospice for her efforts, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled with how much I raised..

"The care Barbara received at Bolton Hospice was outstanding and I just can't thank them enough."