EMMA-KATE Lacey, who has just celebrated her graduation as a doctor, will be putting her medical skills into practise on a gruelling challenge on the high seas.

Miss Lacey, 22, of Wyvern Avenue, Calne, has volunteered to be a medic on one of the yachts taking part in a 32,000-miles race around the world.

With her medical exams at Southampton completed, the former St Mary's School pupil can now concentrate on raising the £30,000 in sponsorship she needs to take part in Global Challenge 2004.

She said: "I'm as excited as ever. Everything feels like it's beginning to fit in the puzzle."

She now has her own website about how she can be sponsored. There is also a fundraising thermometer, a role of honour for sponsors and a countdown to when she sets sail.

She has already completed half her training programme, which included a five-day sail to Cherbourg in France where she learnt about meteorology, racing techniques, and how to use the advanced equipment.

Miss Lacey can be contacted at her website ekflacey@doctors.org.uk