A LOCAL girl is to take part in a charity climb to Mount Kilimanjaro in attempts to raise a target of £10,000 to help set up a charitable trust.

Born and bred in Launceston, Amy Prosser, along with her two colleagues Jason Brooker and Kerrie Preston of the Plymouth, based TV company Twofour Productions, will be working together and embarking on the 5,895 metre-high trek on February 26 when they depart from London Heathrow for Kilimanjaro.

The climb will take ten days and is one of many fundraising events that the team have organised in order to raise £10,000 to set up the Judy Dawson Charitable Trust — a not-for-profit organisation based in Plymouth dedicated to providing care and support for those suffering from the side-effects of radiotherapy and other treatments for illnesses such as cancer — and for the families and loved ones of patients.

The trust was founded by Jason Brooker, whose partner — Judy Dawson — died suddenly on November 23, 2008 after falling ill just a few days before. In the wake of this, it became clear to Jason that support, in fighting the side-effects of treatment from the medical establishment, is an area that is often overlooked and under-emphasized.

Other events that the team have organised to help raise the funds include a clothes swap party and a fundraising talent event, they are half way to meeting their target, however, this is the biggest task that the group have yet to face.

Amy, who now lives in Plymouth, and makes regular trips back to see her family in Launceston, attended St Stephens Primary School, Launceston College and St Austell College where she studied for her A-Levels, then went onto Brunel University where she studied Film and Television Studies and Drama. After this Amy started working at the Twofour Productions and is now a Webcasting Manager for the company.

She was also involved in the Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) and appeared in the production Daisy Pulls It Off in 2000.

Amy explained that she has been doing a lot of training: "The best training is lots of walking, I have walked a lot across the moors, I climbed Mount Snowdon and have been doing a lot of coastal walks along the cliffs, good for wearing the boots in. Along with general cardio work and going to the gym."

Amy said that she is looking forward to the trek: "I'm a bit apprehensive, it is quite a challenge and we are doing 12 hours trekking on the summit day, I don't know how the altitude will affect me but I am determined and think that it is more mind over matter as well as a physical challenge.

"Setting up and running the fundraising events in my line of work is the easy part. I have gone from getting in the car for a two minute drive, to walking everywhere in preparation for the challenge. I am definitely going to keep it up when I get back."

Amy added: "It will be a culture shock but I am looking forward to the challenge, if nothing else."

Amy, who is 24, will be celebrating her 25th birthday on March 6 whilst out in Kilimanjaro, before the group return on March 7.

The group are also appealing for clothes and raffle prizes for the clothes swap event that is being held at Plymouth University on Thursday, February 11, in addition to sponsorship for the climb.

Regular updates will be made from the group whilst on their challenge and to find out more about the charity and clothes swap event or to make a donation, visit: http://www.judystrust.org.uk">http://www.judystrust.org.uk.