Vera Parodi (57), of Wingate Way, Bourne, hopes her three-day trek will raise £2,000 for The Parkinson's Disease Society and already has £1,500 in sponsorship and pledges.

"I never expected to get so much," said Vera, who chose the cause in memory of her husband Alan, who died from the disease two-and-a-half years ago.

She said: "I have never done anything like this before but I do walk a lot.

"It will be tough terrain and I'm going with between 40 to 50 walkers from all over the country.

"We'll cover 50km, which is about 30 miles.

"The purpose is to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease. It is a deterioration of the brain and is incurable."

The symptom most commonly associated with the illness is involuntary shaking.

Vera said: "About 15-years-ago my husband had symptoms and he gradually deteriorated. It's a very depressing disease because you know you won't get better."

She hopes the money she raises will help scientists obtain a better understanding of the disease.

To sponsor Vera, or to make a donation, call her on 01778 421332.

or add your name to her sponsor form at The Local office on West Street.

The route walkers will take passes deep gorges and abandoned mines with peaks of 2,000 metres but Vera added: "I am looking forward to meeting other participants. Some are sufferers."

Bourne's branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society meets on the first Monday of each month at the Salvation Army headquarters on Manning Road.