A woman is to scale the Alps as part of a fundraising challenge for the air ambulance after witnessing a fatal crash.

The memory of the crash in 2015 has stayed with Grace Cowling, 60, to this day.

Members of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance managed to save the life of a teenage girl in High Garrett, but sadly a motorcyclist died at the scene.

Following the incident husband Steve auctioned his beloved motorbike for more than £2,000 and donated the proceeds.

After tackling several marathons Mrs Cowling, of High Garrett, will now trek 66km across France, Italy and Switzerland in just three days.

She said: “I have so much respect and admiration for them and look forward not only to taking part in the challenge of Mont Blanc Trek, but to raise lots of money for them.

“The air ambulance save lives, making a difference, every day of the year and remain self-funding, providing a much needed service.

“I am not a spring chicken, but I keep myself pretty fit. I am at the gym three times a week and I walk four or five miles a day with my husband after work.

“I have done marathons, but not been to these heights, I am really excited about it.”

Mrs Cowling has self-funded the trip, paying more than £1,000 to take part, and is aiming to raise as much as possible.

She will fly to Geneva with 12 other people on September 6, before returning five days later after trekking through rough terrain.

Mrs Cowling added: “The air ambulance is such an important service and it’s for anyone, whether wealthy or not.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/grace-cowling.