A FAR Forest couple have arranged a programme of events to enable them to take part in a charity trek in Vietnam.

Terry and Glen Gibbons, of High Oak, are hoping to raise £5,000 to take part in the challenge - in aid of Beating Bowel Cancer - in November.

The charity, which aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease, promote early diagnosis and improve access to treatment, is close to the couple' hearts.

Mr Gibbons, 56, lost his sister, Sheila, to the disease two years ago and in January a close friend from their village also died from bowel cancer. He said: "We just wanted to do something to help. My wife happened to spot this challenge recently and we signed up and have been raising money ever since.

"It is a big challenge. It is a long way to walk, five days, of six or seven hours a day, in a very hot, humid climate. Walking that sort of distance in this country is hard work but doing it in a tropical climate is going to be a challenge.

"We have been in training and are trying to work up to the sort of distances we will have to do in Vietnam," he explained.

Mrs Gibbons, 53, said she was looking forward to swimming with the elephants who will be their porters during their trip through the Vietnamese highlands.

She added: "It is certainly a challenge. I've never done anything that has really challenged me before. We decided everything we raise will go to the charity. We will pay the expenses ourselves."

Their first fund-raising event will be a prize bingo at Far Forest Village Hall on Friday, July 1, followed by a garden open day at the couple's home, High Oak, on Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3.

Two dog shows will also be held at High Oak on Sunday, July 17 and Sunday, August 28, and on Sunday, August 14, there will be a 10-mile fun ride, with a five-mile course for children, taking place on Clee Hill.

Prize bingo will be held at the village hall on Friday, August 5 and Friday, September 2. Another fun ride will take place on Sunday, September 11 in Mortimer Forest.

Anyone who wants to sponsor the couple or get more information about the events can contact them on 01299 266345 or e-mail: terry.gibbons@btconnect.com