Woman, 80, completes gruelling Colombia trek

Grace Prince said everyone she completed the trek with was "amazing"

An 80-year-old woman is believed to be the oldest woman to have completed the gruelling voyage to a lost city in Colombia.

Grace Prince, from South Newton in Wiltshire, was part of a group of 33 trekkers who hiked for several days from the lowlands of Northern Colombia to the 1,500-year-old Lost City of Teyuna.

Their trip has already raised more than £50,000 for Salisbury District Hospital's Stars Appeal.

“I’ve never had much confidence so this just shows what you can do if you put your mind to it," said Ms Prince.

The group were raising money for Salisbury District Hospital

The trekkers, aged 22 to 80, faced torrential rain and more than 1,200 giant stone steps as they completed the journey in April.

"You just looked at them and thought there’s no way you can do that,” said Ms Prince.

In total, the group hiked more than 50 miles (80.5km) and ascended more than 3,400m – more than the combined height of the UK mountains, Ben Nevis, Snowdon, and Scafell Pike.

Ms Prince added: “We’ve all found it a challenge in one way or another, from slipping in the mud or having sore feet, to not having enough socks or sleep - and the cold showers.”

Dr Helena McKeown said the team spirit of the trek was "fantastic"

Three-time cancer survivor Colin Ford, from Salisbury, who also did the Stars Appeal trek to Petra in 2022, said: “It was just incredible. The torrential rain and mud was really tough.

“The Stars Appeal helped me when I was going through treatment and raising money for the charity will help continue that support for others at Salisbury Hospital."

First-time trekker and local GP Dr Helena McKeown, from Salisbury, said: “It was the most physically and psychologically demanding challenge I’ve ever done.

"Seeing the Lost City was a real privilege, but what was most special was the camaraderie and support from everybody in the group.

She added: "It was a life-changing experience and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Salisbury District Hospital said all of the trekkers paid for their own trips, and the fundraising total will be announced in June at a special ceremony.

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