Local business women Jules Schad is hoping community support will send her across the Tanzanian plain, on behalf of three cancer charities.

Mrs Schad of the JUICE boutique, in Ledbury High Street, says she is taking positive action in the fight against breast, ovarian and cervical cancers.

Mrs Schad, aged 47, will be part of a group of women tackling the fifth Women V Cancer challenge.

She said: "I will be challenging myself as part of a women-only team of cyclists riding through Tanzania to support the work of three charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

"Previous Women V Cancer cycle challenges in Kenya, India, Cuba and China have raised over £4 million for the three charities."

The 350km challenge, through some of the toughest terrain on the planet, will take place over five days this October.

Organisers say "it will be a journey full of fun, friendship and incredible support as women of all ages and from all walks of life come together to challenge themselves for a great cause".

But first Mrs Schad needs to find at least £3,000 to support the work of the Women V Cancer charities and she is asking local people and companies to help her reach that target.

So far she has raised £1000 and has organised a Charity Race Night on March 14 at Bosbury Parish Hall.

Last summer, to attract donations for the good cause, Mrs Schad's step-father Mike Tredgett, MBE, who lives in Ledbury and played Badminton for England, put his haul of Commonwealth gold medals on display in the shop.

Mrs Schad said of the race night fund-raiser: "We have had offers of some fantastic prizes, one worth £500, - which is very generous”

Anyone wishing to pledge support should call into the shop, phone 01531632990 or make an online donation at www.justgiving.com/jules-schad