THESE four businesswomen have swapped high heels for hiking boots to tackle the Inca Trail in Peru and raise money for a children’s charity.

Sharon Bailey, who runs Primecover Insurance Services, Utility Warehouse and My Shopping Genie, money-saving expert Anne Peat, independent wellness coach and Herbalife distributor Debbie McIntosh and Elizabeth Oakes, regional fundraiser for Children Today, are in South America now for the challenge.

Children Today buys vital equipment for disadvantaged local children and each of the trek participants has to raise £3,750 to take part in the 10-day event.

The 16-strong group of men and women of all ages also includes Westhoughton- based accountant Diane Pilling and Bolton roofer Graham Hill, from R L Lovatt’s Roofing Services in Bury.

The trip involves eight hours walking a day and includes visiting the Lost City of the Incas.

The group is also tackling famed Machu Picchu, which is nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, and experience both heat and freezing temperatures.

“It’s a challenge even before they go,” said Elizabeth Oakes, who lives in Bolton and has undertaken charity treks before to countries like Borneo.

“They’ve had to train hard. They have to raise the sponsorship money and they have to leave their families behind.”

The women had a bumper send-off from the B4B women’s business group, which meets at Zest Deli in Doffcocker, when they admitted they were “excited and nervous”

but looking forward to something so different from their normal days.

Travel fan Mrs Peat said: “Machu Picchu has always been on my bucket list so this is great and it gives me the chance to help children not as able bodied as others.”

Elizabeth Oakes added: “Local business people have always been very supportive of Children Today and this is one more illustration of how they’re prepared to accept a challenge and help children in need.”

● To support any of the women, go to their Just Giving websites.