Taking on the African desert on a motorbike is a daunting task but for one novice biker it is a challenge worth taking on - especially if it means she can raise £5,000 for charity in the process.

Kimberley Nanson, 26, who works at Lucre PR in Richmond, will be flying out to Africa on October 2 to take on a 12 day motorcycling adventure that will see her face 16 hour rides daily in full body armour as she raises money for orphans of HIV.

She said: “I decided my life was boring and fancied a change.

“I searched charities in Africa and found out about this trip and so learned to ride a motorbike.

“We will start at Port Elizabeth but [for safety reasons] have not been told where we finish - along the way we will stop off and help build an orphanage to help those orphaned by HIV and speak to mothers and children about safe sex.”

The account manager is taking on the Enduro Africa challenge to help raise money for charities Unicef, Sentebale – the Princes' Fund for Lesotho, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Touch Africa - all of whom help less fortunate children abroad.

Miss Nanson added: “I’m getting nervous as it is such a big thing.

“Having spoken to the women working at Unicef I understand it is going to be really quite emotional meeting women who are quite ill and their children - it is a bit daunting.”

Visit enduroafrica.wordpress.com for more information.