A mother of two will embark on a gruelling desert rally combined with a humanitarian aid mission a month before her 40th birthday.

Nathalie Gager has signed up to take on the Cap Femina Aventure rally, driving from the south of France through the deserts of Morocco in a 3000 mile, ten day test of endurance and skill.

Designed solely for women, the event, which has been running for 22 years, combines the challenge of navigating through some of the toughest terrain with providing help to communities in need of aid.

Mrs Gager, Chaldon Way, Coulsdon, said: "It is not about speed, you are given a destination, maps and a compass and it is about plotting the best route. Because there is no element of speed you have time to stop and we will be repainting a school and dropping off all kinds of sporting equipment and teaching equipment for the community."

Inspired by her younger sister Ludivine, who conquered the challenge last year, Mrs Gager, who is originally from France, will head out to Avignon to begin her journey on October 1.

She said: "I caught the bug from my sister. I turn 40 in November so I guess i want to prove to myself I can still do it."

Before she begins her adventure Mrs Gager, who works in social care, must raise about £15,000 to fund the trip.

She has arranged to set up a monthly craft market, with the first to be held at St John’s Hall in Coulsdon on March 10 and will be arranging a number of sponsored events leading to the event.

To follow her progress or make a donation visit www.chergui.co.uk