A TEAM of volunteers preparing to raise vital funds for patient care at a local hospice have adapted their training regimes in the wake of coronavirus-imposed restrictions.

Getting together, training, socialising and bonding would have all been part of the preparation for the intrepid group who later this year are due to fly out to conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – the world`s most important archaeological find and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Instead, the 43 trekkers have kept in touch through social media and recently launched a virtual walking challenge to help get fit.

Over five weekends - which started on June 20 - each group member will trek a total of 54 kilometres. In total that will add up to 2,322 kilometres and the distance they will be hiking over five days in Peru in November.

Group members covered 407 kilometres in total over the first weekend, covering various routes around their local areas.

Bethan Scott, challenge events co-ordinator, said: “Organising and raising funds is always demanding but rewarding. Coronavirus has added an unprecedented challenge with many of the group’s planned fundraising events either postponed or cancelled.

“We are so proud of this incredible group who even in these most challenging times have still managed to raise £56,000 for patient care. They continue to amaze us with their innovative fundraising ideas”.

Nightingale House provides specialist palliative care services, completely free-of-charge, to patients and their families across a wide area stretching from Wrexham, Flintshire and East Denbighshire to Barmouth and the border towns including Oswestry and Whitchurch.

In 2020, it will cost £3,435,943 million to run the Hospice - this equates to nearly £9,388 per day.

If you would like to sponsor the group, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/NHHIncaTrail2020/