A DEDICATED volunteer will walk non-stop for 24 hours through the night to raise money for the local charity she has supported for the past five years.

Sarah Wye, from Gillamoor, will hit the road to take on a 62.1 mile hike from London to Brighton next month in support of Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind.

Walking continuously for between 20-30 hours Sarah said that she is hoping to complete the challenge in about 24 hours but admits to feeling nervous about walking through the night.

She said: "It's a bit intimidating really. I have got to go out with my head-torch on and do some training at night which is going to be completely different than the training I have been doing so far.

"It's heavy going at the moment and it's going to be a big challenge for me."

Sarah, 43, has volunteered for Mind for the past five years as part of their befriending service offering companionship and help to local people with mental health problems.

Having witnessed firsthand the difference the charity makes in improving the lives of local people Sarah is hoping that by taking on this challenge she can continue to help raise awareness.

"Many people don't have a big awareness of mental health but a lot of people have already been coming up to me saying how it has increased their awareness," she said.

"Everyone has been incredibly supportive so far. I managed to raise £300 within a couple of weeks and I'm now hoping to raise £1,000. Anything I get in excess of that will be a huge bonus."

To sponsor Sarah www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Wye