THE SARS virus has led to a Malvern woman missing her chance to see one of the world's most spectacular landscapes before it disappears forever.

Maureen Edwards was due to take part in a sponsored trek along the banks of the Yangtze River, in China, to raise funds for Acorns Children's Hospice.

The expedition was due to take place just before the route vanishes under water as part of the largest hydroelectric power project the world has ever seen.

However, the outbreak of the deadly virus has forced organisers to change the venue for the trek. All sponsorship money will still go to Acorns.

Miss Edwards said everyone who was due to take part wass disappointed it would not now go ahead. "It's a chance of a lifetime gone, really," she said.

However, she is now looking forward to the replacement - a jungle expedition in Borneo on May 25.

"It will be interesting, and totally different," she said.

"The flora and fauna out there are supposed to be absolutely fabulous."