A WYLAM walker has taken on one of the wonders of the world to raise more than £6,000 in memory of his father-in-law.

John Rainbow has trekked 35km of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, scaling summits of 14,000 feet, all in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

He was determined to give something back to the charity that had helped his family when father-in-law Don Harrison was living with the condition.

Sadly, after suffering with Alzheimer’s for five years, former civil engineer Don passed away last October.

John (52) said: “It’s such a cruel disease,but The Alzheimer’s Society was so supportive; it was a bit of a lifeline for us.”

Keen walker John embarked on his fund-raising challenge in April this year, spending five days trekking from Cusco through the Sacred Valley and ending up at Machu Picchu.

Having scaled 94 of Wainwright’s selected 217 peaks, dad of three John enjoyed the gruelling walk, taking in ancient Inca burial tombs and the hot springs of the Lares Valley.

He said: “The trek was excellent, absolutely fantastic. Fortunately I didn’t suffer from altitude sickness at all.

“The only time it struck was during an impromptu game of football with some local children. After running about ten metres I had to stop and take some deep breaths.

“The kids were running all over the place, but we couldn’t handle the altitude.

“When we reached Machu Picchu, I had such a feeling of achievement, and it was a fantastic thrill because I’ve always wanted to see it.”

Returning home at the end of April, John has spent the last months collecting sponsorship money. And having raised his fund-raising target from £3,600 to £5,500, John was astounded to find that his total had soared to £6,200.

He said:“I’m so glad I’ve achieved something that’s done some real good. The support from family, friends and businesses has been superb.”