Two Bradford charity trekkers have helped to raise more than £70,000 for cancer patients across the region.

Seventy-four-year-old John Ackroyd, of Denholme, and Lila Patel, 50, of East Bowling, were part of the Yorkshire Cancer Centre’s team of 20 trekkers to successfully ascend the heights in the Indian Himalayas to raise £70,500.

Their challenge was a five-day trek involving a tough ascent up rocky terrain to a glacier at 3,200 metres in the Himalayan foothills near Dharamsala, Northern India.

Mr Ackroyd said: “The trip was fantastic. There were hard times, but they were soon forgotten as there was so much to see and take in. Raising money for cancer as well is quite a bonus.”

Mrs Patel, who has herself battled breast cancer, said: “It’s been a spiritual journey for me. It was with sheer determination that my goal was finally achieved. With teamwork and the support of my fellow trekkers, we did it.”

A trek of the Inca Trail in Peru takes place next year from October 5 to 14. An information evening takes place at the Yorkshire Cancer Centre on Wednesday, May 25. For details, contact Julie Patmore on (07803) 037 439 e-mail: julie@xceedevents.co.uk or call the fundraising office on: (0113) 2068444.

  • Read the full story in Friday's T&A