IT was meant to be an exciting part of a Malaysian adventure to raise money for a children’s charity.

But instead, the 25-strong group of amateur explorers got lost in dense jungle.

Back in the UK, Elizabeth Oakes —Bolton-based fundraiser for Children Today — paid tribute to the “level-headed” approach of the volunteers forced to spend the night in the open, attacked by leeches, flying insects and snakes.

The group was taking part in the annual Professional Footballers’ Association link-up with the charity and included former Bolton Wanderers’ player Peter Nicholson, now 60, ex- Manchester City star David Oldfield and Bob Boulder from Liverpool FC.

The nine-day challenge included trekking, climbing and white water rafting among team challenges, with the winning group bringing home the Children Today Challenge Cup.

But when they set out on a oneday trek through the jungle, torrential rain made rivers rise and the usual paths impossible.

The local guide leading the group through the Cameron Highlands to an inaccessible village, where they were due to stay overnight, was forced to find alternative paths.

“We had to use machetes to cut a way through the jungle and people were being badly bitten by insects,” explained Elizabeth.

“Everywhere was very muddy so there were leeches clinging to us all.

“After eight hours of this we realized that we were completely lost. Someone managed to get a text out to the resort where we’d been staying. The light was going, everyone was weary and I just felt we couldn’t continue walking around in the dark in those conditions.”

Instead, they bedded down in a makeshift campsite, found whatever dry kindle they could and got a fire going. They cut palm leaves down to make “beds” and, in true “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!” style, shared rations and kept up each other’s spirits — unware they were actually camped on a sacred burial ground.

“One of the group had an iPod and docking station so we played music all night, which also kept the animals away but we did have a scare with a snake,” added Elizabeth.

A rescue party eventually found them during the night, and they set off at sunrise for the long and treacherous walk back to their base. After a night of food and local beer the group was ready to take on the rest of the charity challenges which included a football match against a local tribe.

After all the excitement, the Bolton Wanderers’ team triumphed and took the trophy. And the charity — which transforms the lives of disabled and ill children — is more than £60,000 richer.

As for Elizabeth, a veteran of 10 previous international trips, she’s already planning the next longhaul event — to Peru in April to follow the Inca trail. “When hopefully we won’t get lost!” she said.

For details go to www.children today.org.uk or ring 079905 10325.