AN Ely butcher will fly out to the Andes mountain range for a gruelling five-day charity trek later this year. David Bent, of Longfields, will go to Machu Picchu in Peru at the end of November to take part in The Inca Trail uphill hike in aid of Great Or

AN Ely butcher will fly out to the Andes mountain range for a gruelling five-day charity trek later this year.

David Bent, of Longfields, will go to Machu Picchu in Peru at the end of November to take part in The Inca Trail uphill hike in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

Mr Bent, 54, said he caught the bug for charity trekking after he went on a trip to The Great Wall of China last year with his son Martin.

"It's hard work with seven to eight-hour days," he said.

"You're up every morning by 6am - It's a real challenge."

He said an important part of the experience was getting to know the other walkers.

"Out of 45 people nobody knew one another, but by the Tuesday morning it was one big family," he said.

He urged readers to take up a similar challenge.

"Get out and do it," he said.

"It is just a fantastic experience."

INFO: If you are interested in helping Mr Bent raise his sponsorship money, visit him at his butcher's shop, Bent and Cornwell, Market Place, Ely.

Photo: HELEN SOUTH 7549