A PEEBLES primary school teacher has returned from an epic 10-day challenge to reach the Inca ruins of Machu Pichu.

And every step Claire Bony took was in aid of breast cancer charity Coppafeel.

The co-manager of Glentress Peel Cafe and Bony’s Steakhouse at Glentress endured hail storms, sub-zero temperatures and even an earthquake.

She was joined on the journey by former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts and Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden.

So far the challenge has raised just under £100,000 for the breast cancer awareness charity.

Claire, who lost her mother, Isobel McGovern, to breast cancer 18 years ago, believes the sore feet and altitude sickness were worth it. She said: “Coppafeel’s mission is to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that people know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and have the confidence to seek medical referral if they detect abnormalities.

“After four flights and 24 hours of travelling we found ourselves camping at freezing temperatures of minus-12, coping with severe altitude sickness, torrential hail and rain, and even an earthquake and a security alert at the airport in Lima. “We scaled South America’s Andes mountains to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu - it was a harsh environment with up to nine hours of trekking each day up to a staggering 14,500 feet.

“It was tough but an amazing experience through snowy peaks, dazzling lakes and some really fabulous scenery.” Claire was selected by Coppafeel and The Sun on Sunday’s magazine ‘Fabulous’ to be part of a team of 24 trekkers.

The team’s fundraising efforts have just gone through the £95,000 mark with Claire raising a whopping £4,700 on her own.

She added: “I would like to thank all the local businesses who gave generously to the raffle I held at Glentress Peel Café – Ridelines, Alpine Bikes, Swift Trails, Dirt School, Go Ape, Bony’s Steakhouse, Peel Café to name a few. “I would also like to thank Sainsbury’s in Peebles, their Manager Michael Bryant and their customers for allowing us to bag pack their bags one Saturday.” Claire’s fundraising efforts for Coppafeel will continue for another few weeks.

To make a donation go to https://coppafeel-peru2014.everydayhero.com/uk/claire or send a text to RAFF53 and your donation amount - from £1 up to £10 - to 70070.