A BLACKPOOL woman is preparing for her own walk of life after agreeing to trek across Ladakh in August.

Liz Stambridge, from Layton, had her application accepted by Mencap to take part in the trek, which involves a gruelling eight to 10 miles a day, enduring sweltering temperatures in the remote area of northern India known as Little Tibet.

Only a handful of applicants were accepted for the two treks in August and 46-year-old Liz, who has to raise £2,000 in sponsorship money, is appealing for residents and businesses to get behind her.

But Liz, pictured, knows it will be a long hard walk. She said: "I've been on walking holidays before, but nothing quite like this.

"It's a 40-hour trek over the eight days through hidden villages at altitudes of around 3,500 meters. I know it's going to be very taxing but I'm sure I will enjoy it. It's for a very worthy cause after all."

Liz, a nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, is determined to get her walking boots on for the trip from August 14 to 24 by organising coffee mornings, cheese and wine tasting sessions and raffles to raise the money. So far she has raised more than £350.

And Liz is certainly training hard for the event. She said: "I'm going to the gym three times a week and I run every day, usually about four miles. I'm also taking part in this year's 10k promenade run to make sure I'm more than ready."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Liz and help Mencap can contact her on 01253 396638.

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