A HOSPICE charity has raised more than £140,000 after an intrepid hike.

A team of 35 people, including model Jodie Kidd, braved high altitudes on a five-day trek along the Inca trail in Peru to raise money for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.

Ambrose Harcourt, the charity’s vice president said: “For me this trek was challenging because I was personally out of my comfort zone – I am not a fan of camping, and have never done anything like this in my life.

“I found it extremely hard, but I did it for a cause that is so close to my heart, helping to raise funds for the families and children with life limiting illnesses that Chestnut Tree House supports.”

Ambrose, who was the oldest member of the team at the age of 71, said the group endured altitude sickness, uneven terrains and a lack of sleep as rain bombarded their tents during the hike, but reaching the 4,500 metre summit was an incredible moment.

He said: “The sense of achievement in the group when we got to Machu Picchu is one I will never forget.

“There were lots of hugs, tears and kisses and shouts of ‘We did it.’

“It had been a trying five days.”

The aim of the trek was to raise enough money to pay for ten days of services at the children’s hospice near Arundel, which cares for children and young adults with progressive life-shortening or life-threatening conditions.

Ambrose said it costs £6,850 a day to pay for services at the house and in the community, and the charity only receives six per cent of its funding each year from the Government.

Ambrose said: “So far, between the 35 of us, we have raised more than £143,000 for the charity, which we are extremely proud of.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has donated and let everyone know that there is still time to make a donation on our JustGiving page.

“It was hard, but hugely rewarding.”

Chestnut Tree House was founded in 1998 and the hospice opened in 2003.

Ambrose said: “When the house was initially opened we were looking after ten children.

“Today we look after more than 300 children and their families in East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire, with another potential 1,000 in the area who could use our services.

“So, if you can help us make a difference, even in a small way or as a volunteer, please get in touch.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/chestnuttreehouse/inca.