A fundraiser is set to take on a daunting 10-day trek through the Himalayas in support of a hospice.

Meg Martin, from Coopersale in Epping, has completed several challenges to raise money for St Clare Hospice in Thornwood in recent years.

She has trekked along the Great Wall of China, the Inca Trail in Peru and the Grand Canyon – raising almost £15,000 in the process.

This year, the 62-year-old aims to raise £4,000 in sponsorship from her Himalayan adventure, which is due to take place in April.

She said: “I’m in my 60s now, and some people wonder why I do these tough challenges knowing how difficult it will be.

“But I love a really hard challenge, and if people are going to sponsor me and donate lots of money, then they need to know it’s going to be difficult.

“I have always wanted to go to Nepal; I love experiencing other cultures on my travels and learning about the bigger world while I’m out there.”

The first couple of days in Nepal will be spent acclimatising to the extreme altitudes that Ms Martin and her team will be subject to.

After that, she will be trekking for about 8 hours every day for 5 days of the challenge, as she ascends to 3,210m above sea level at the summit of Poon Hill.

She added: “My mother and father both died in a hospice, and I’ve never forgotten how compassionate, kind and helpful the staff were.

“The hospice movement is very dear to me, as not only did they support mum and dad, but they supported us as a family as well.

“I was quite young when I lost my parents, so the hospice’s help and guidance were vital for me.

“I want to give something back and make sure others will be supported in years to come, like my family was.”