FROM Test Valley to Death Valley – a gran is about to embark on the biggest challenge of her life to raise £5,000 for charity.

Julie Proud, 44, of Cusden Drive, Andover, will be cycling through 420km of the scorching Death Valley National Park in America, in memory of her father Colin Woodthorpe, for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Joined by her childhood friend Andrew Cattle, 47, from Charlton, the pair will set off in November and hope to complete the Death Valley Cycle Challenge in seven days.

Death Valley is located in eastern California’s Mojave Desert, the driest and hottest area in North America, where temperatures have been recorded up to a massive 134°F (56.7°C).

And, if the heat wasn’t enough, they will have to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas.

Office manager Mrs Proud said: “I’m nervous about everything, I’m not a cyclist. I haven’t ridden a bike for 20-odd years.

“I’ve got this bike I’m training on and I’ve got to learn to ride this bike, which has got over 20 gears and I’m used to about three gears.”

Julie lost her father to leukaemia on Christmas Eve in 2013.

She added: “As you can imagine Christmas last year was a very sad occasion and will be for some years to come.

“This incredible challenge will take me way out of my comfort zone as I have never attempted anything like this before and will require a complete lifestyle change to be able to achieve this.

“It’s sure to be a physically punishing and an emotional personal journey for me in memory of my father.”

Leading up to the challenge various other charity fundraising events will be taking place aided by Mrs Proud’s friends and family, the proceeds of which will go towards the total.

“One of my friends Darren Gibson has decided to do his bit,” she said.

“On 7 March he will be having his very hairy chest waxed for this charity.

“The event will take place at the Foresters public house in Andover at 2pm in full view of all to witness.”

To sponsor Julie go to justgiving.com/J-Proud