Next May, Jo Hawken, from Hatherleigh Medical Centre and Bridget Chisholm from Lifton Surgery, both local practise nurses, are taking part in a once in a lifetime challenge travelling to Peru walking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

They commented on the challenge: "We have set ourselves quite a challenge hoping to raise in excess of £6,000 for the British Heart

Foundation."

Jo and Bridget have been affected personally by heart disease, both of them having lost their fathers following heart attacks and thanks to new technology, Jo's husband was recently treated successfully following his.

They said: "In our day to day work, we spend a considerable amount of time caring for patients with heart disease, educating and giving advice regarding healthy lifestyle and prevention.

"We are both keen to promote this charity and with 40 years experience between us, are also looking for active ways to help our fundraising.

"We are asking for direct donations towards our target or more practical help if anyone felt they could organise a fundraising event for us no matter how big or small, in return we would be happy to come and talk about our work."

Jo and Bridget added: "It is not only going to be fun but extremely hard work walking at altitude with the chance of experiencing an amazingly different culture."

The pair are also appealing for old mobile phones, which can be dropped off at Lifton Surgery.

If anyone would like to make a

donation, they can be sent to Bridget at: Hatherleigh Medical Centre,

Hatherleigh EX20 3JT or Jo at: Lifton Surgery, North Road Lifton, Devon PL16 0EH.