A woman is exchanging day walks in Bront country for a gruelling trek over the mountains of Peru.

Kim Stead will journey to the South American country this September to raise money for Children in Crisis.

She is organising fundraising events around Keighley to pay for the expedition and support the charity's work at home and abroad.

Kim, 42, of Kelburn Grove, Oakworth, hopes her efforts - with help from family and friends - will double the £2,600 requested by Children in Crisis.

She will leave her own children Charlotte and Vanessa at home with husband John when she embarks on the 10-day expedition.

Two days acclimatisation in Peru will be followed by a four-day hike - camping on narrow mountain ridges - to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Kim says: "Everyone thinks it's my age, a midlife crisis - but I've always been impulsive. It's a personal challenge, but just doing it for myself would be selfish."

Kim, who works as a tax technician, plans to raise as much money as possible for Children in Crisis's work with vulnerable and disadvantaged youngsters. The charity carries out education, medical and relief work in countries such as Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Poland, China, Tanzania and Nepal.

Kim has begun preparations that include gym work to strengthen her legs. Children in Crisis is also organising training hikes in the Peak District and Snowdonia.

Kim says: "I have to take long walks as rugged as I can, with heavy weights on my back. Apparently that helps with the high altitudes.

"We'll be walking in the mountains above cloud level.

"The biggest problem is altitude sickness."

The first major fundraising event is a 1970s disco on May 2 at the White Lion Hotel in Haworth.

The venue is being provided free, and Kath hopes to track down a DJ willing to play for free.

She is approaching local businesses for prizes for an auction and raffle, and a series of car boot sales

Kim, who organises pamper parties for Virgin Vie, will host a "pamper morning" where people can have coffee and a facial.

Money is also being raised by Oakworth Brownies, Haworth Scouts and Haworth Primary School.

DJs, and anyone else willing to help with the fundraising, should phone Kim on 01535 648355 or Kath on 647831, or e-mail kim.stead@virgin.net.