AN ADVENTUROUS Worcester woman is hoping to journey to the exotic climes of Borneo to help underprivileged youngsters.

But first she needs the help of the drinking folk of the Faithful City as she embarks on a pub-crawl to boost the coffers of charity Children Today.

Trudie Philpott, who wants to take part in the 11-day Borneo Challenge in September, needs to raise a minimum of £2,500 and is hoping revellers will show generosity in helping her to attain that figure.

"When I read of the work the charity does I felt I had to help," said the 31-year-old, who hails from Barbourne.

Raise funds

"They raise funds for young people with disabilities, buying the equipment they need to help them live as independently as possible."

So far, she has raised more than £1,000 of her target, but she is hoping this weekend's activities will help her on her way.

Together with members of the Heenan and Froude Social Club, in Sansome Walk, Miss Philpott will be in fancy dress for the tarts and vicars-themed crawl in the city centre on Saturday night.

"The social club has been brilliant in the way they have helped and we hope to really do well this weekend."

Miss Philpott, a civilian worker for Warwickshire Police, is also busy building up her fitness levels for the ordeal, consisting of a trek to the 4,000m peak of Mount Kinabulu, as well as a 180km, rough terrain cycle and white water rafting.

"I have always maintained a good level of fitness as I used to be in the army, but now I am cycling 15 to 30 miles a day to make sure I am up to the challenge," she said.

n Trudie Philpott gets her walking shoes and bike ready for the 11-day Borneo Challenge in September - providing she can raise the cash to take part.

Picture by Roy Booker. 232175d1