AN expert dog trainer and her pony are getting ready to trek 250 miles to raise money for the charity supporting her family through her dad’s cancer ordeal.

At Christmas, Sarah Bartlett’s dad Steve Roper was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney, this has spread to many parts of his body and he was told it is terminal. Mrs Bartlett said : "I lost my step-father to cancer and my mum has also beaten breast cancer and Macmillan has been there for all of us throughout.”

With her Fell pony Billy, Mrs Bartlett will trek the length of the Trans Pennine Trail from coast to coast, finishing nine days later in Hornsea. A lot of rigorous training is required, which has not been easy. Mrs Bartlett of Lower Moor said: “Over recent months Dad has been in hospital a few times, taking some very hard dips in his health including signing a ‘do not resuscitate’ agreement which was hard for all of us.”

“This has also called for me to go up to south Yorkshire to see him and be there for him when I can – leaving Billy in great hands but not doing as much as I would like. Plus, my work has unfortunately been taking time away from Billy. Fortunately, Dad has bounced back again, is on good form for the moment and we spent the mayday bank holiday weekend at Llandudno festival of transport with his vintage vehicles. We made some lovely memories and he was in his element.”

Billy was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Prize for Driving in April. Which Mrs Bartlett said was “an honour to receive as we have only been driving for two years.”

Don't miss RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch Novelty Dog Show

Since April the intrepid pair have done a lot to prepare for the trek. Part of the trek will involve dual carriageways, industrial estates and high streets. They embarked on an 18mile carriage drive and Billy coped well, “We did a few miles on the B4084 and we had many cars and heavy lorries passing at speed, all of which he didn’t even look at.”

Mrs Bartlett said: We are desperately in need of sponsorship for the direct costs of our mission such as fuel, food for us and expenses, so we are seeking this with local businesses.

Mrs Bartlett and her helpers aim to raise over £5000. You can find out more on Facebook, Fell from Coast to Coast or search Fell from coast to coast on Just giving to donate.