A SUFFOLK woman is gearing up to embark on a mammoth 160km, ten-day trek across Mongolia on horseback.Laura Coltart, of Church Road, Stowupland is taking up the challenge in a bid to raise more than £2,000 for EACH (the East Anglian Children's Hospice).

A SUFFOLK woman is gearing up to embark on a mammoth 160km, ten-day trek across Mongolia on horseback.

Laura Coltart, of Church Road, Stowupland is taking up the challenge in a bid to raise more than £2,000 for EACH (the East Anglian Children's Hospice).

The 23-year-old will be travelling across deserts, through rivers and across mountains, camping out along the way as part of the holiday.

Beginning at the country's capital Ulaanbaatar, the trips goal is to reach the Khenty Mountain Range, with rides of up to 30km a day.

Seven other riders will be taking up the task, which starts on May 31 and two native people will guide the trip, with a van on hand to deal with emergencies and carry food supplies for the journey.

Miss Coltart found out about the opportunity on the internet. She said she was looking for something that was not a normal holiday, which involved horses, and which was a challenge.

The ride is one of many similar opportunities offered by the company “Charity Challenges”, and Miss Coltart is hoping to raise a total of £2,650 EACH.

Miss Coltart said: “I've never been camping before, and it's a very long distance ride which I know won't be very comfortable, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge.”

Those wishing to sponsor Miss Coltart should send donations to EACH at 42 The High Street, Cambridge, CB24 6DF.

Or visit www.justgiving.com