Rachel is taking on a gruelling vertical challenge

Rachel Reed is in training to complete the Chamonix Mont Blanc Vertical Marathon.

The challenge spans across 4,000 metres in which she will ascent 1,000 metres high up the side of the mountain, in the fastest possible time.

Rachel said: “Two thirds of the vertical is a zigzag track up the side of the mountain, underneath the Brevent chair lift.

“The final third is a series of steps, pedals, ladders and handrails, clambering over rocks about 1,000 metres high.

“I’ve been training hard since January.

“The running bit I love but the clambering up the side of a mountain at height, using ropes to pull me up and climbing a ladder, I’m really not so keen on; I won’t even climb the ladder in to our loft at home.

“So, for me it is going to be both a physical and mental challenge.”

A lifelong lover of horses, around her training Rachel currently part-loans a horse called Freddie and also rides a dressage horse in weekly training sessions.

A friend of Rachel’s fosters a horse on the ‘Friend for Life’ scheme and after seeing their relationship develop Rachel was inspired to fundraise for Bransby Horses.

Rachel is also raising money for Breast Cancer Care and to make a donation visit the Virgin Money Giving page at http://bit.ly/1XgOyyb.

And for more information about Bransby Horses, which is home to more than 370 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk.