Laura Beer from Stoke Canon, near Exeter, has signed up for a charity trek in Spain, in aid of the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary.

She has just over four weeks remaining to prepare for the 57km trek along the Genal Valley in Spain which involves 17 hours of walking over three days. She has to raise the minimum sponsorship of £1,500 and has been well supported by family and friends to date.

The trek has also helped her to take up new challenges since the loss of her husband over a year ago. She says: "I had seen an article in Exeter Living magazine about the trek and it simply leapt out at me; I just had to do it. I like to challenge myself and I feel now is the right time. My family say it’s bringing the old Laura back too."

The event (12-18th October) takes participants on a three-day hike through part of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range in south western Andalusia, and ends with a hands-on visit to the Sanctuary’s Spanish rescue centre, El Refugio del Burrito, to work with the rescued donkeys.

The trek is the first of its kind to be organised by the Sanctuary and will help raise funds to keep its European rescue centres running, which helps donkeys like Hope who had her ears chopped off by vandals.

Laura adds: "I have never been to Spain and am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing the work of The Donkey Sanctuary there."

Anyone who would like to help Laura reach her £1,500 sponsorship target should get in touch by calling 01392 841857.