Hull Daily Mail reporter Katy Wood is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime after signing up to trek along the Great Wall of China.

The 19-year-old journalist has volunteered to complete the long haul on the wall to raise money for Cancer Research UK, and will join a group of strangers for the trip next May.

Katy said: "I love travelling and this seemed like an exciting thing to do for an amazing cause."

During her ten-day adventure Katy will walk 40 miles, starting out at Gubeikou and completing the trek at Mutianyu, tackling mountain ranges and a series of towering staircases along the way.

She decided to sign up for the trip after completing the Race for Life earlier this year.

She said: "I got the bug for raising money for Cancer Research UK when I did the 5km run. I think it is such an important charity.

Just after Christmas my family lost a close friend after she suffered from cancer. I wanted to do something to help"

Katy is aiming to raise £3,500 in sponsorship before the trip, and has already received a £250 donation from the Hull Daily Mail.

Her colleague Laurie Harvey is also showing his support by running the Humber Half Marathon and donating his sponsorship proceeds to Katy's funds.

Katy said: "I'm really grateful, everyone has been very supportive.

"I can't wait - I wish I was going tomorrow!"

If you would like to sponsor Katy you can contact her at k.wood@hdmp.co.uk