AN Exmouth veterinary nurse is gearing up for a challenge of a lifetime riding a horse through Peru in aid of animals.

AN Exmouth veterinary nurse is gearing up for a challenge of a lifetime riding a horse through Peru in aid of animals.

Holly Aplin, 26, from Axminster, in September will trek through the Peruvian Andes in aid of the Blue Cross animal charity.

Holly, who works at Raddenstiles Veterinary Surgery, on Liverton Business Park, hopes to raise �3,000 for the Blue Cross and is inviting people to sponsor her trip.

While she is on the 10-day trek, horse owner Holly will spend up to eight hours a day in the saddle following the Inca Trail.

At night she could face temperatures as low as minus-10c when she and her fellow trekkers bed down for the night in tents.

Holly, who has been riding since she was 17, said: "As I am a veterinary nurse, charities like these really hit home to me as I get to see the work they do.

"The Blue Cross animal welfare charity is UK based, like other animal charities they help in re-homing, rehabilitating, rescue and most importantly providing urgent veterinary attention and care.

"I am quite excited about it. I don't know anybody else going. It's the chance to meet some new people.

"I have always wanted to go to Peru, it has always looked fascinating."

A veterinary nurse for eight years, Holly will fly to Lima and have a day acclimatising before saddling up and setting off.

* To sponsor Holly's efforts for the Blue Cross go to www.justgiving.com/Holly-Aplin, send a cheque payable to the Blue Cross, with Holly's name on the back, to Blue Crss HQ, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon, OX18 4PF, or drop your donation off at Raddenstiles vet surgery, in Salterton Road,