An 80-year-old Wiltshire woman walks to the lost town in the Colombian mountains

An 80-year-old woman is believed to be the oldest woman to complete the grueling journey to a lost city in Colombia.

Grace Prince, from South Newton in Wiltshire, was part of a group of 33 hikers who hiked for several days from the lowlands of northern Columbia to the 1,500-year-old Lost City of Teyuna.

Their ride has already raised more than £50,000 for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal.

“I’ve never had much confidence, so this just goes to show what you can do if you put your mind to it,” Ms Prince said.

The trekkers, aged between 22 and 80, braved torrential rain and more than 1,200 giant stone steps as they completed the journey in April.

“You just looked at them and thought, there’s no way you can do that,” Ms. Prince said.

In total, the group covered more than 50 miles (80.5 km) and climbed more than 3,400m – higher than the combined height of the UK’s Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike mountains.

Ms Prince added: “We all found it a challenge in one way or another, from slipping in the mud or sore feet, to not having socks or sleeping – and cold showers.”

Three-time cancer survivor Colin Ford, from Salisbury, who is also doing the Stars Appeal to Petra in 2022, said: “It was just incredible. The torrential rain and mud were really tough.

“The Stars appeal helped me when I was going through treatment and raising money for the charity will help continue this support for others at Salisbury Hospital.”

First-time hiker and local GP Dr Helena McKeown, from Salisbury, said: “It was the most physically and psychologically demanding challenge I have ever done.

“Seeing the Lost City was a real privilege, but what was most special was the camaraderie and support from everyone in the group.

She added: “It was a life-changing experience and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Salisbury District Hospital said all the trekkers paid for their own trips and the fundraising total will be announced in June at a special ceremony.