SHE has jumped out of a plane six times for worthy causes and now Wiz Francis from South Tawton is preparing for another big challenge ? a gruelling 14-day trek to the Everest Base Camp in aid of West Devon charity CHICKS.
Wiz has paid for the full cost of the expedition which begins on October 20 and all the money she raises will go to the charity.
She will be travelling with a group of fellow fundraisers from CHICKS, which provides country holidays for disadvantaged inner city children.
A keen rugby player, the mother-of-two has a good level of fitness but has no climbing experience.
?The climbing thing is not so important as a good general fitness,? she said. ?Having said that, it is still 18,000 feet to base camp and some days we have been told we will only complete two or three kilometres because it is quite tough.?
The peak of Everest is another 10,000 feet from base camp and the very mention of its name sends Wiz into fits of excitement.
?The main thing is raising money for a good cause, but I feel absolutely privileged to be going on this trek,? she said. ?It is one of those places that you just never think you will go to.
?I think one of the most worrying things for me is the cold, because it will be about minus five degrees when we are out there, and the possibility of altitude sickness, which can strike anybody.?
Wiz has parachuted and sky-dived from a plane for various charities, including the Devon Air Ambulance, and admits she is a bit of a ?dare-devil?.
?I tend to say yes to these things when I am out with the girls having a few drinks, and think about them later,? she said. ?Now the date is getting closer it is quite nerve-wracking.?
Anyone who wants to help Wiz in her charity efforts can ring her on 01837 840557. So far she has reached £1,000.