A HORSE lover is preparing to saddle up and take to the mountains in a charity fund-raiser to help a cause close to her heart.

Alex Atkins, of Stanklyn Lane, Kidderminster, is hoping to trek through Morocco's spectacular Atlas Mountains in aid of children's cancer charity, the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. Alex Atkins saddles up with her horse Melina in preparation for her Moroccan trek.

The 44-year-old lost a close friend to leukae-mia, and is determined to help the work of charities battling to beat cancer in the way she knows best - by completing the 104-mile six-day journey, which will see her travel through villages, rivers and can-yons from November 3.

She said: "I have eight horses and have taken part in local showjumping and cross country competitions but I have never undertaken anything like this.

"I've never been to Morocco so I'm really excited about it but not so much about the cam-ping, I prefer room service!"

However, Alex, who works as a dispenser for the Stourport pharmacy of West Midlands Co-op, requires sponsorship of £2,500 before she can take part.

Her fund-raising bid got off to a good start when Shatterford rock legend Robert Plant donated three signed Led Zeppelin CDs to be auctioned.

A fund-raising concert will also be held at Wolverley's Kingsford Caravan Park on Friday, August 3.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Alex can call her on 01562 755245.