A GROUP of fundraisers who took part in a gruelling trek across Costa Rica have raised £15,000 to create a special sensory garden and playground at a children's group.

A GROUP of fundraisers who took part in a gruelling trek across Costa Rica have raised £15,000 to create a special sensory garden and playground at a children's group.

The punishing challenge took the trekkers to the top of Mount Chirripo – a height of 3,819 metres – and at times involved more than 10 hours walking per day.

The trek, which was completed last month in six days, was in aid of the St Mary's Opportunity Group in Felixstowe.

Lorraine Cook, one of 17 fundraisers, said: "It was wonderful. It was hard and strenuous but we all got to the top, which is brilliant.

"It was hot and humid going through the rain forest first of all but cooler when we got to the top. The hardest part was the second day when we had to go from 1,500metres to 3,400 metres in a day. It took us over ten hours.

"None of us got any blisters because we had done lots of training."

Mrs Cook, a teacher at Chantry High School in Ipswich, said the fundraisers had trained for the task a year ahead of their trip, which took place on April 4.

The training schedule involved walking at least 12 miles a day every weekend along footpaths across Suffolk.

But the preparation could not prepare them for the altitude that increased fatigue and tiredness.

"It was harder than I expected but thank goodness we did the training. We couldn't train for the altitude but it was a superb experience," said Mrs Cook.

The group was accompanied by guides and a doctor for safety.

The fundraisers would now like to hear from an experienced gardener who can assist the construction of the sensory garden or provide any useful ideas.

Anyone able to help should contact Alison Boggis on 01394 283246.