A MUM of three is set to take on a charity walk with a difference — for Heather Shepherd will complete a 78-mile trek with no shoes or socks.

The 32-year-old from Blackrod is completing the challenge — hiking the Dales Way — barefoot to raise funds for non-animal medical research.

Her sponsorship money will go to the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) — the UK’s leading non-animal medical research charity.

She expects to take one week to complete the walk.

The full-time mother said: “Last year, I managed a day's hike along the Pennine Way walking barefoot.

"The feeling of the peat moors and the grass on the feet was really liberating.

"So my challenge is to complete the Dales Way without shoes.

"My only concession will be a pair of Xero shoes, which are barefoot-style sandals for walking on gravel and roads.”

Mrs Shepherd, who is vegan, has received support from Alternative Stores and The Vegan Kind who have donated flapjacks and energy bars.

She added said: “It is very good of these vegan businesses to support my fundraising efforts.

"Like me, they believe strongly in the work of the Dr Hadwen Trust and that it is time to phase out testing on animals.”

The DHT’s fundraising co-ordinator Gerry Reilly said: "Our ability to fund innovative research which replaces animals is only made possible by the charitable donations we receive from supporters like Heather.

"We cannot thank her enough for undertaking such a massive physical effort on our behalf."

To support the challenge go to justgiving.com/Barefoot-trek or for further information visit drhadwentrust.org