Horse-lover Helen set to ride through Africa

Helen Underwood will be riding 250km through Kenya on a trek on horseback.

Forget 4x4s, Helen will be mixing with the likes of zebras, giraffes and lions as nature intended.

The five-day journey in September is in aid of Racing Welfare. This charity helps former jockeys and racehorses.

Helen (25) said: 'I fancied a challenge and this is not an everyday challenge. I love horses and I thought it would be nice to ride one through Africa.

'Horses are good companions. They give you so much back and don't ask for anything, just a bit of loving care.'

She owns four horses. Two are Cleveland Bays, one is a part Cleveland Bay and the other a coloured west cobb and New Forest cross.

She regularly competes in horse shows and wins trophies.

As well as spending so long in the company of horses, chef Helen will also be expected to set up camp and cook during her ride of a lifetime.

It begins in Narikia, south of Nairobi, and crosses the plains of Mount Kenya.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Helen should contact her at: 2 Elm Cottages, Hook Lane, Aldingbourne PO20 3TG.