Ally Benbow from Shrewsbury is travelling to Africa next month to take part in the Help For Heroes Sahara Trek, which will see her battle the elements and walk 100 kilometres across the Sahara Desert in just seven days.

An Account Manager at Noble Foods, Britain’s largest egg producer, Ally got the inspiration to sign up to the event following the company’s introduction of a new egg brand, Eggs For Soldiers, launched specifically to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.

“Following the launch of this campaign which has so far raised a staggering £100,000 by donating 15p for every pack sold, I visited the Help for Heroes website to find out more about the fantastic work that the organisation does,” Ally said. “I was so overwhelmed that I felt compelled to offer my support and try and raise as much money as possible for such a worthy cause.

“I’ve always been up for a challenge and have previously taken part in the Great North Run as well as numerous 10k runs across the country, but this one is really going to push my boundaries. I camped for the first time ever this year at the V Festival just to get a taste, but know that it’s going to be a little different sleeping under the African sky surrounded by camels, and with no creature comforts!

“It is going to be such a life-changing experience and I am really excited about taking part, particularly because I’ll be helping others at the same time. I have been amazed by how generous people have been and I’d like to thank everyone for helping me raise over £6,500 already for this great cause. I’m particularly grateful to the team at local firm Mr Machinery, who have been incredibly supportive and helped tremendously with raising awareness of my challenge with a number of their customers.”

Ally is due to fly out to Morocco with her fellow trekkers on October 15th and will walk across the Iriki Saltpan and scale the heights of Chagaga, before flying back to London on October 24th.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ally can visit her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ally-benbow.