Ref. 72766-04A MOTHER-OF-THREE will soon be setting off for the Brazilian wilderness to raise money for charity.

Dad will be in charge for a week when Caroline Kerr, 46, from Wootton Bassett, sets off for a remote rainforest.

Her husband, Andrew, 44, and children Heather, 17, Robert, 16, and Emily, 11, are looking forward to fending for themselves while she heads for adventure.

Caroline, who is busy preparing for the trip, is committed to raising £2,500 for Breast Cancer Care and is now only £300 short of her target.

The rainforest trek begins on November 4 in a national park to the north of Brasilia, the capital city.

She said: "I'm very excited as it's only about three weeks away now. I'm hoping to get a huge sense of achievement, see a different part of the world, and get some sun.

"The furthest I've been in the past is Florida, but that was a family holiday.

"This is an 84 kilometre trek through a wilderness area not often used by walkers."

Caroline, who works as a teaching assistant at St Bartholomew's Primary School in Wootton Bassett, has been in training since March.

She said: "We were advised to stick to a training programme, especially uphill walking, so that hopefully we will manage it comfortably and it will be more enjoyable.

"I saw the trek advertised in a magazine. I was looking for something to do as a challenge and raise money for breast cancer care.

"It's the sort of charity that you never know when you will need to call upon it."

She said the family were pretty impressed that she is going to undertake the challenge.

"They are looking forward to ten days with dad in charge. I'm not worried about leaving them because they're old enough for a certain level of independence."

Caroline is not worried about camping out at night but what has got her feeling a bit nervy is the thought of having to cross a rope bridge.

"I am worried about having to cross a very high rope bridge at some point during the trek, as I am scared of heights," she said.

The money raised so far has mainly been through sponsorship from friends, family and workmates.

Anyone wanting to help Caroline to reach her target should visit www.justgiving.com/ carolinekerrbrazil

David Andrew