A PERSHORE businesswoman is set for an epic 216 mile trek on horseback, in a bid to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support which has supported her dad who has terminal cancer.

Starting in Southport, Sarah Bartlett along with her much-loved Fell pony Billy, will trek the length of the Trans Pennine Trail from coast to coast, finishing nine days later in Hornsea.

Speaking of her 216-mile fundraising challenge the Lower Moor resident said: “At Christmas, my dad was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney, this has spread to many parts of his body and has now been told it’s terminal. 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."

Asked why she chose to trek the Trans Pennine Trail on horseback, she said: “Billy is a hardy Fell pony and an excellent ride and drive pony and we will have a great adventure together.

"It was my dad who ignited my love of horses and, I grew up walking and riding parts of the Trans Pennine Trail. It’s going to be very challenging for both Billy and I, not only the trek but all the preparation, planning and fitness leading up to it. But, I have so many wonderful childhood memories.

“I can’t fight the cancer for dad but, I can fight to help others going through the same. To help Macmillan help more people affected by cancer would be such an amazing gift to give."

The aim is to raise more than £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Sarah Diston, from the charity, added: "Macmillan doesn’t receive government funding, we rely on the generosity of the public to help support our services and what Sarah, not forgetting the wonderful Billy are doing, is amazing.

“Money raised by supporters like Sarah and the wonderful Billy, can help fund a wide range of Worcestershire Macmillan professional roles. Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, the Worcestershire Macmillan Immunotherapy Clinical Nurse Specialist, is the county’s first immunotherapy clinical nurse specialist, providing support and advice to patients receiving immunotherapy treatment."

To donate to Sarah and Billy’s Coast to Coast Trans Pennine Trail fundraising trek visit.justgiving.com/fundraising/fellfromcoasttocoast.