Ilkley international fell runner Jo Prowse is set to run the 500 mile Pilgrim route of St James to raise money for children's services at St James's Hospital, Leeds.

The gruelling journey will take her from her home in St James Road, Ilkley, to St Jean Pied-de-Port, near the Pyrenees in France, and then on to Santiago (St James), in northern Spain.

It will take her over mountains, roads and high arid plains.

The 49-year-old advocacy officer at Bradford South and West Primary Care Trust, is planning to set out on August 18 and complete the 500-mile route over 33 days between August 21 to September 22.

She will be accompanied by her 20-year-old son, Mike, who will track her progress by following the route in a car, provide food and water and put up the tent at night.

They are organising a street collection in Ilkley this Saturday and are hoping for generous donations. Their quest is to raise £50,000.

"It's a great challenge," said Jo. "It's my way of celebrating being 50 and having four healthy sons. St James Hospital provides a vital, regional, children's unit, which deserves and needs all our support."

Jo is no stranger to physical exercise. She is a member of Keighley and Craven Athletics Club and has successfully competed in mountain and fell running races at national level, having been awarded the title of British and English Veteran Fell Champion in 1998.

Explaining the reason for planning the challenge, Jo said: "I chose the Pilgrim route of St James after reading Shirley MacLaine's book, 'The Camino', and felt inspired by her story.

"At the time I was having a run of bad luck, having been involved in a series of car crashes and felt that this challenge would be a great life experience.

"Children's services at St James's Hospital was an obvious beneficiary for me to choose because of the name connections with the journey I'm going to make.

"I am fortunate to have four healthy children, and having taught classes for National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and trained NCT teachers and tutors, the well-being of babies and children is really important to me. They are our future."

The fund-raising challenge will also commemorate Jo's 50th birthday which she celebrates in December later this year.

"What better way to celebrate turning 50 and being alive than to run the 500-mile route to raise a target of £50,000 for children in hospital," Jo added.

Jo is currently training hard, running around 70 miles a week, as well as trying to drum up as much sponsorship as possible from friends, colleagues and local businesses.

Anyone who would like to sponsor her would be most welcome - she can be contacted on 01535 601444 or 07770 797334, or via Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust Charitable Trustees on 0113 392 6803.

Cheques should be made payable to: The Charitable Trustees: St James's Acc-ount, and sent to David Ma-rlow, secretary to the Charit-able Foundation, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX.