AN EAST Lancashire goldsmith is hoping to strike it rich for the East Lancashire Hospice.

Nikki Rawling, 33, has always dreamed of exploring the lost city of the South American Inca Tribe in Peru.

And as her twin sister, Justine, heads a team of specialist nurses who deal with the side-effects of cancer treatment, at the Park Lee Road hospice, in Blackburn, Nikki decided to use the trip to benefit others.

She has paid the registration fee of £450 out of her own money and hopes to raise in excess of £2,675 for the charity.

Nikki, who lives in Chapel Street, Barnoldswick, said: "I heard about big charities who organise trips of a lifetime to raise funds, but I thought, why not do it for a local one.

"It is going to be tough and I might be feeling the worst I have ever felt in my life, but I will never feel half as bad as the people at the hospice."

The 10-day expedition in October starts from Cusco, which is the centre of the Inca World and includes tours through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where the participants will explore ruins of the ancient tribe.

Nikki will trek over mountainous terrain at extremely high and energy-sapping altitude, culminating on day eight when they arrive at Machu Picchu the lost city of the Inca Tribe.

But Nikki, who is the manager at Ashworth and Tennant jewellers in Ingham Street, Barrowford, has a secret weapon -- she is a great singer.

She said: "I went to a gym and when they measured my lung capacity they said it was that of a man, which surprised them, as I am only 5ft 1in tall. But it is because of the singing."

Nikki also plans to use this talent by arranging a fundraising concert in April or May to raise money towards the trip.

Businesses, individuals, community organisations and other groups can help, too, by sponsoring Nikki for equipment, travel or general donation sponsorship.

The Hospice, based on Park Lee Road, Blackburn, cares for terminally ill patients and their families from Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

It depends on the generosity and support of people from the region, with £400,000 needed to be raised from voluntary sources this year alone.

Anyone who would like to help can contact Nikki on 01282 854223, or Harry Grayson at the hospice on 01254 660900.