37-year-old Amy Lethbridge from Kingsbridge is preparing to trek around 60 miles through the Himalayas in memory of a friend who sadly died after being airlifted to hospital.

Amy who works in Tesco Kingsbridge will leave for India on November 6 for a 10-day challenge in aid of Devon Air Ambulance, returning on November 16.

The self-funded trek will involve around five days of walking at altitudes of just over 3,000 metres above sea level.

Amy has set a fundraising target of £2,500 and has already raised nearly £1,700.

She is taking on the challenge in memory of her friend DJ Foale, who was airlifted to Derriford Hospital but sadly did not survive.

Amy originally planned to undertake a Grand Canyon trek in DJ's memory in 2016, but couldn't take part after suffering a stroke.

After completing charity treks along the Great Wall of China and through the Sahara Desert, she decided to take on another challenge to support the air ambulance service.

She said: "I knew that I wanted to do another trek in memory of DJ for Devon Air Ambulance, and now I'm doing this one."

Amy's preparations were interrupted by an ankle injury in June, when she tore a ligament and fractured part of the bone.

“I was out of action for quite a while, but I've been training getting out for walks and making sure that I can hit at least ten to twelve thousand steps a day. Things are going really well,” she said.

She added that she now felt ready for the challenge, with her vaccinations, visa, travel insurance and equipment organised.

As part of her fundraising effort, Amy is also inviting people to have names included on a T-shirt and flag she will carry to the Himalayas.

“I'm going to take a T-shirt and a flag bearing the names of people who have a connection to Devon Air Ambulance, whether they've sadly lost someone who was airlifted to hospital or someone who has needed medical attention and had the air ambulance called out to them. I'd love to include anyone with a connection to the charity, so I'm trying to collect as many names as possible to take with me,” she said.

There is no charge to have a name included.

Amy is collecting names through her Facebook page and email, and has put up posters in local venues to spread the word.

She is encouraging people to share the appeal with friends, family and local groups so she can include as many names as possible before setting off.

The trek will involve a group of around 16 people, with accommodation including hotels, a sleeper train and several nights camping in the mountains.

Amy hopes to share daily updates and videos from the trek, depending on mobile phone signal.

She also thanked Community Champion Cathy Shea and Tesco store manager Simon Harding for supporting her fundraising efforts.

Looking to the future Amy also has her sights set on the London Marathon for Devon Air Ambulance in 2028.

She has contacted the charity about a place and hopes to take on the marathon as another personal challenge.

To support Amy or arrange for a name to be included on the memorial items, contact her through her Facebook page, Amy Lethbridge, or visit: https://tinyurl.com/4peyrmku