Alex made it! Lancaster University graduate now home in Peru where she wanted to spend her final days with loved ones

After a long journey, Alexandra Angeles Caycho is now with her family, her boyfriend and her beloved cats in the country she loves so deeply.

The 21-year-old, who graduated in July with a first class degree in Fine Art and Design, has pancreatic cancer and wanted to get home to Peru to pass her last days surrounded by those she loves.

Friends launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise the thousands of pounds needed to fly her home which surpassed its initial £150,000 target within days – with the total currently standing at almost £162,000.

On Sunday (September 1), Alex set off on her journey back to her Peruvian home in a medical air ambulance, which took more than 24 hours and included several stops – the safest option for Alex in her current condition.

Today, her friend Katie Cherry posted on Alex’s GoFundMe page: “We are incredibly relieved and grateful to share that Alex has safely arrived home in Peru. Thanks to all of you, her final wish has been fulfilled. She is now surrounded by her loved ones in the place she wanted to be most.

"Words cannot express our gratitude for the generosity and support you’ve shown. Your contributions made it possible for Alex to make this journey, ensuring she could spend her remaining days in the comfort and familiarity of home.

"Alex is now with her family, her boyfriend, and her beloved cats, in the country she loves so deeply. This means everything to her, and to all of us who care for her.

"Thank you for making this a reality and for keeping Alex in your thoughts throughout this difficult journey. Your kindness has brought her peace in these final days.”

Alex was accompanied on her journey by boyfriend Dylan Harris, whose mother Gaynor said: “Huge thanks to each and everyone that has donated and/or shared Alexandra's story – it has warmed our hearts.

"The kindness and generosity of others shown during this highly emotive time has lifted Alex's spirits beyond measure and she spent the last couple of days as comfortable as she could be after a few very scary days/nights.

"She was thankfully stable enough to make the long journey home, which is where she is now.”

Gaynor said they were told Alex might not make the flight which played heavily on the minds and hearts of those close to her.

"My son, Dylan, was allowed to travel with her along with her mom and her beloved cats (this had never been done before!)” said Gaynor.

"I can't thank everyone that has been involved in Alex's journey enough but you will know who you are.”

Gaynor added that she was planning to fly to Peru tomorrow and was currently looking at flights.

She gave a huge heartfelt thanks to the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - ward 2 staff, Teenage Cancer Trust (Kathryn and Clare), and the Specialist Rescue Group (Gary), Fly REVA.

Alex was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer on March 17 2023 aged 20, which doctors told her was almost impossible for someone of her age to have.

She has since gone through extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, along with numerous hospital stays.

She received news last week that her cancer has spread and grown, and that there is nothing more that the doctors can do, giving her a time frame of days to weeks.

On the GoFundMe page, Alex wrote: “My last wish is to return to Peru, to be with my family in the place where I grew up, where I have so many happy memories."

Because of Alex's condition, it was expected the flight would need to operate at a lower altitude, which increases fuel consumption and can require additional stops – increasing costs.

Friends and family of Alex have set a new £200,000 target to cover the added expense. Any extra funds raised will also help cover other expenses, such as funeral costs if needed.

You can donate to Alex’s appeal at https://www.gofundme.com/f/5qk57-help-alex-travel-the-world?modal=updates