DORSET mother-of-two Sam Leiber-Young will be getting on her bike for an African adventure in aid of charity.

The 37-year-old part time lecturer and administrator will be taking part in a challenging cycle ride through the landscapes of South Africa in November to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Her 395km-ride will take her through semi-desert, high mountain passes and dense forests following what is known as the Garden Route before ending her trip in Cape Town.

Highlights will include seeing the wildlife at a small game reserve near Uniondale and elephants at Knysna but the lows could be arduous nature of the ride where Sam will be averaging 80 km a day.

Sam, who lives at Sixpenny Handley, said: "I am doing this for two reasons - my friend Andrew Turton had a heart attack and the treatment he received was phenomenal so the cause, the British Heart Foundation, is the attraction. Secondly I gave up smoking at New Year and wanted a personal challenge to focus on and this seemed the answer.

"However although I do cycle occasionally this is something quite different.

"I am training but it's the thought that not only am I doing 80 kms a day but the fact it will be for several days. I am terrified I won't keep up."

She added: "My family have been tremendously supportive but I will miss both my children while away. It's also hard as a busy working mum disentangling yourself from your everyday existence to go away for ten days and do this not to mention the guilt factor of leaving my husband and family.

"But the thought I am fulfilling a personal ambition to help others is what I am most excited about."

But first she needs to raise £2,500 in sponsorship and to cover her costs.

Anyone who can help can contact her by emailing her at young@leiber.freeserve.co.uk.