A MOTHER of two teenagers is preparing to climb a 5,000ft mountain in Kenya for charity -- but most weeks her only exercise is a quick dash around the local supermarket to do the family shopping!

Lynn Atherton only has until September to get ready for her Mt Kenya hike in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind -- the charity for whom she is a regional staff training officer.

And her first training session -- a seven-mile walk near Kendal in the Lake District -- showed she needs to get fighting fit for the once-in-a-lifetime trip to the second highest peak in Africa.

"After 500 yards I got pains across my chest and everything was aching," said Lynn. "I need to build up my stamina!

"My kids haven't yet told me 'You're crazy' but maybe it's me who will be saying I'm crazy to do this challenge."

The 46-year-old isn't a total stranger to sport, but she admits she will have to start exercising more.

Lynn confessed she does play rounders for the GDBA's ladies' team (but only in summer), enjoys tennis (but just the odd game) and has previous gym experience (though she never went often enough).

Her working day is mostly spent sitting behind a desk at the GDBA's North-west regional headquarters on Lowndes Street -- with one of her guide dogs often keeping her company.

Lynn has also been a smoker since the age of 12 but she is now in the process of giving up. "I am going to get myself fitter than I am, because if I don't, I'm going to let myself down and the people who have agreed to sponsor me," she said.

"It's a chance to see something different, a different part of the world, and raise money for the guide dogs."

So far, she has raised some of the £2,500 sponsorship money by offering colleagues reflexology sessions in exchange for a donation.

And the Asda store on Middlebrook was proud to become her first official sponsor by donating £100 and a special T-shirt to the good cause.

"I don't think the walking will bother me that much -- you just go through a pain barrier," said Lynn, who admitted that she is worried about altitude problems.

The trek will take Lynn -- who will be accompanied by a friend and about 40 participants, including some visually-impaired walkers -- from hot, dry tropical land through lush forests to alpine tundra and permanent snow. This means that the walkers are advised to pack anything from thermal underwear to a pair of shorts!

"I hope it will be fun," Lynn said.

"I've got to complete this and I will, I am a very determined person."

Rebecca Stephens, who was the first British woman to climb Everest, said about Lynn's challenge: "Mount Kenya is one of my favourite mountains. I am envious of all those taking part on the Mount Kenya Guide Dogs for the Blind trek."

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