Gardener tackles Inca Trail for charity

Philip of Kingswood Road, Chiswick, said: "I thought it sounded like such an amazing opportunity, not only to visit the site but also to raise money for a very worthwhile cause."

Dogs for the Disabled organised the fundraising event, in which 29 others are taking part, and will use the cash raised to train puppies to become assistance dogs, offering confidence, companionship and independence to disabled people across the UK.

The gardener, who works in the grounds of Hampton Court as well as running his own business, Wild Thyme, will fly to Lima on September 12 and then travel to Cuzco where the group will spend three days acclimatising.

They will then spend five days trekking along the Inca trail to the pre-Columbian Inca site of Machu Picchu which is 8,000ft above sea level.

"I am already quite fit because of my profession," said Philip.

"But I will be doing some training running up and down hills as it will be very steep terrain, although the real struggle will be the altitude."

If you would like to help Philip reach his target please visit: www.justgiving.com/philip-cole