A FATHER-OF-TWO from Pill has jetted off on a fundraising mission to complete a five-day Inca Trail trek in Peru.

Richard Meacham is one of a team of 26 who flew out from Heathrow Airport on Friday to take on the challenge to raise money for the Pill-based charity Penny Brohn Cancer Care, which provides complementary care to people with cancer.

The 41-year-old of Ham Green was diagnosed with cancer in March 2009 and was supported by the charity during and after his treatment, which left him unable to smile and deaf in one ear.

Another eight people taking part in the trek team are from North Somerset including current and former service users as well as Jane and Howard Gurney - Jane is a volunteer driver for Penny Brohn Cancer Care whose father died of cancer.

John Richie from Portishead is also taking part - he works for NFU Mutual in Clifton which has nominated Penny Brohn as its chosen charity for the year.

The Inca Trail trek will see the fundraisers cover three mountain passes, including one at 4,200 metres, and they will pass through mountain scenery, lush cloud forest, sub-tropical jungle and the legendary Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels.

Richard, who has already raised �4,800 for the walk, said: “This is a fantastic way to give back to Penny Brohn Cancer Care and say thank you for the support they have given me. Hopefully I’ve overcome my cancer and they’ve been instrumental in holding my hand throughout it.”

The charity has already raised �36,000 from the trek and hopes to have reached the �50,000 mark by the time the walkers touch down back at Heathrow on Sunday.

To sponsor Richard log on to www.justgiving.co.uk/RichMeacham