A FISH and chip shop owner is hoping not to fry when she treks across the Sahara for charity.
Dianne Welsh is taking on a challenge of a lifetime over ten days, starting on Friday, October 26.
The owner of Welsh's Fisheries, in Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, is raising funds for Grimsby's St Andrew's Hospice.
The 48-year-old, who lives in Marshchapel, said: "I am trying to raise as much money as possible.
"I have paid for the trip myself so all the money can go to the charity.
"I don't know why I wanted to walk 100 miles across the Sahara Desert but if it goes well, I want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
"There will be 37 of us from around the country taking part in the walk. We will have camels carrying our tents and equipment but I still think it will be hard. The trek will start off light but towards the end we will be walking eight hours a day.
"In some ways I can't believe I am doing it because I went camping once and I hated it. I also hate creepy crawlies and when I went to Egypt I spent 10 minutes outside before I had to find air conditioning.
"I think it will be a great experience and not many people can say they have walked across the desert and more importantly it is for a great charity."
The Sahara desert is one of the world's largest, hottest and driest, and takes up 10 per cent of the African continent.
The overall area it covers is as large as the United States, and it is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, reaching about 190 metres.
Lynne Lemon, community fundraiser at the hospice, said: "Dianne has been dreaming about doing something like this for a long time and we are extremely grateful that she has chosen to support us.
"The economic climate is hard at the moment and for her to fund the trip herself is brilliant.
"It costs £430 for one adult to stay a night with us and we rely on donations to provide the service we do.
"We wish Dianne all the best with her adventure."
Support Dianne
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Diane-Welsh or visit the chip shop in Alexandra Road or The Fleece, in North Coates.
