A WOMAN from Monkokehampton is gearing up for the challenge of a lifetime this spring, as she attempts a gruelling charity walk on the other side of the world.

Sandra Pruski, who is 60, is in training for a six-day trek through the Yangtze river valley in China ? a walk likely to prove both physically and mentally punishing.

Sandra is undertaking the trek to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation?s work in heart research, education and patient care.

She said: ?I?ve only just found out quite how many jabs I?m going to have to have! The heart foundation is a really good cause and the opportunity to walk along the Yangtze, some of which is about to be flooded, was really pretty irresistible.?

Sandra is spending as much time as she can in practice for the walk, stepping out on the moors at every available opportunity ? even on Christmas Day!

She will be part of a group of around 30 on the walk through China, which leaves in March.

Sandra is also preparing for every eventuality as far as the walking conditions are concerned.

?I think the weather?s going to be somewhere like here in May ? it could be sunny or it could be raining, so you have to have a dual-purpose hat!? she said.

The walk itself is not the only challenge faced by Sandra ? she has to raise a minimum of £2,700 in sponsor money to take part, as well as contributing to a non-returnable registration fee of £350.

?It all means a big commitment in time as well as energy,? said Sandra, who said the fundraising is going ?quite nicely? so far.

One of the fundraising events Sandra has organised is a special showing of the classic spoof The Rocky Horror Show at The Plough Arts Centre in Torrington on March 4 at 7.30pm.

The tickets are priced at £7.50, to include a drink and nibbles ? Sandra said suspenders and fancy dress are optional!

More information on the film show is available from the box office on 01805 624624.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Sandra on her Yangtze trek should call her on 01837 851439.

And West Devon residents who feel they might like to rise to a British Heart Foundation World Challenge, riding or trekking through some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, can call freephone 0800 587 2606.

The challenges have raised vital funds of more than £2-million to date.