PICTURES: Sense of achievement wins over blisters as fundraising group takes on second day of Croatia mountain trek challenge

A GROUP taking on a fundraising challenge for a Highland palliative care charity is enduring blisters and heavy rain on the second day in Croatia.

The Blister Sisters – a team of 17 women fundraising for Highland Hospice – were climbing on Croatian mountains in torrential rain today after they had a hot start with a first 25km walked yesterday.

Their bid to support the Hospice will see them raise funds with a five-days-long trek, and already they have gone above a staggering £130,000 on their fundraising page.

Fundraiser for Highland Hospice Emma Nicol who is taking part to the challenge said: "It's absolutely stunning here and the hospitality is incredible.

"Everyone is giving their best. It's really challenging but the sense of achievement after a day walking and climbing up and down the mountains is amazing.

"We are currently in the smallest town in the world – called Hum. As we were walking we want past a farmer who had not seen anyone in the area for ages and he was so amazed at seeing so many women walking past his farm."

Many of the women taking part in the five day adventure have experienced cancer or have lost loved ones to it and similar diseases.

Ms Nicol continued: "It's a great group taking up the challenge and despite having to put on blister plasters and strap up, it's been a great experience so far."

With Strictly Inverness – one of the main events on the Highland Hospice fundraising calendar – taking place this week, the team is hoping to tune into the live streaming of the event before heading back home on Friday.

The group have walked around 25km each day in the mountains in Istria, with many wonderful sights on their path.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.