A MOTHER and son have returned from Peru after raising thousands of pounds for a cancer charity.

Marjorie and Stephen Sanderson, of Wear View, Hunwick, completed a sponsored trek across the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu last month, and collected more than £6,500 for Maggies Cancer Care Centres.

Mrs Sanderson had lost friends and family to the disease and persuaded her son to accompany her. The pair held car boot sales, raffles, a disco and sent out sponsor sheets.

Despite the long walk at an altitude of 2,910m, Mrs Sanderson said that the trek was a fantastic experience.

"Each day we climbed higher on narrow ledges and came across amazing views which left us speechless," she said.

"My son and I have had a very moving experience, the opportunity of a lifetime, and in the process have been able to raise money for a worthwhile cause."

Maggies Cancer Care Centres provide support, information and counselling to cancer patients and their friends, families and carers.

Marjorie said: "Stephen and I would like to thank all the shops, pubs, clubs, businesses, organisations and especially our friends who generously helped, supported us and donated to Maggies."