TWO women are hoping to raise a ''fair-old'' amount of cash by cycling along the Nile to raise money for research into medical conditions affecting females.

Lorraine Hunt, aged 39, and Gemma Williams, 20, will cycle 400 kilometres - nearly 250 miles - down the banks of the world-famous river between Friday, September 30 and Thursday, October 6, in aid of the Women for Women Appeal.

The pair, from Defford, south of Pershore, hope to raise more than £5,000 in sponsorship, to fund medical research and pay to train women in gynaecology, to prevent genetic diseases, miscarriage, infertility and cancer.

"We decided to do this in September. I saw an advert in a magazine, and I just thought I hadn't done anything for a charity. Gemma read the same article and said she would like to do it as well," said Lorraine, who added her approaching 40th birthday was also spurring her on.

Their training regime began in the New Year.

"We are doing about 10 miles a week, but we will crack on when the days are lighter and the roads are better," she continued.

The charity duo also have some celebrity help. Professor Robert Winston, the TV presenter of programmes like The Human Mind and The Human Body - will also accompany the intrepid peddlers as they journey from the Nile-side town of Esna to the historic and pyramid dotted Valley of the Kings.

To pledge support for the pair, a cheque made payable to the Institute Trust Fund, can be sent to them at Nippers, Orchard Cottage Farm, Croome Road, Defford, Worcestershire, WR8 9AS.