A MAN who beat cancer found out he had just become a grandad -- as he reached the peak of the sacred site of Machu Picchu.

John Fothergill, 54, of Fence, has been collecting cash for Manchester's Christie Hospital for years after receiving treatment to survive testicular cancer a decade ago.

And he experienced double delight on a fundraising trip to South America as he reached the 4,200-metre-high summit of the Inca Trail and then was told of his grand-daughter's birth.

John, of Wheatcroft Avenue, knew his son and daughter-in-law were expecting but could not get a mobile phone signal in the Andes to receive the good news until the last day of the trek. The three-day adventure covered more than 40 kilometres of steep climbs and gruelling challenges.

En route to the pinnacle at Intipunku, John frantically tried to contact his wife Judith and son Ben but got no answer. But as he took in the breath-taking sights, a message came back on a fellow walker's mobile phone saying daughter-in-law Pippa had given birth to Millie Grace, weighing 7lb 14oz.

A jubilant John said: "When we got to the sun site looking down on the ruins of Machu Picchu the message came through. With the emotion of being at this place that was out of this world I had the double whammy that I was a grandad.

"I might not have been here had it not been for Christie's so it's something I'm still pinching myself about. Have I really been there? To have a grandchild at the same time was a wonderful feeling.

"If anyone is ever thinking of doing the Inca trail, don't think about it, do it. It's out of this world. Photographs don't do it credit, you have to see it to believe it. The scenery and food I can't fault at all."

John, who works for Whitehead and Wood Printers, Hapton, only recently returned from his trek and has collected £1,400 for the hospital. The team of 13 walkers in all raised around £50,000.

John, who has been in work teams that have tackled the Great North Run for charity, earlier saw plans for a holiday in Peru fall through before a pal at Christie Hospital told him about the fundraising trek.