A PHYSIOTHERAPIST has set herself an extreme challenge by pledging to trek in Peru for a cause close to her heart.

Georgina Monk will fly to South America and spend a week walking the Inca Trail to the stunning Machu Picchu.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Shinfield, has so far raised £4,00 through donations, which will be used to help Sue Ryder's Duchess of Kent Hospice.

She said: “I heard about the hospice a few years ago while I was working as specialist oncology physiotherapist in Wokingham.

"I would have patients who were diagnosed with a palliative cancer and as such they would begin to receive input from Sue Ryder.

"Shortly after learning about Sue Ryder and the Duchess of Kent Hospice, I joined the team in December 2016 as their specialist palliative care physiotherapist."

Georgina admits that she will be taking out of her comfort zone, having never undertaken a challenge like this before.

Located in the Andes mountain range, the Inca Trail requires an ascent to more than 4,200m above sea level.

She added: “It is a privilege to be part of the team here. We are often welcomed into people’s lives and homes when time is most precious.

"It is extremely rewarding to work with patients on what matters to them most and help them in achieving any personal goals.

"I have not really fundraised before, or performed any sort of challenge and this will really take me out of my comfort zone.”

“Seeing the difficulties my patients and their families go through before coming to Sue Ryder has shown me how much people benefit from the input we provide.

"Because of this I have been inspired to help fundraise so we can continue to offer care to all those who need it."

The charity provides expert palliative care and support to patients and their families in times of need.

However, the annual cost of running the service is £4.7m, which equates to £13,000 per day.

Sue Ryder relies on the dedicated fundraising efforts of staff and supporters to be able to keep going.

You can sponsor Georgina’s efforts by visiting her fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gina-monk1