A BUDDING explorer is hosting a bingo night to raise funds for her first adventure trekking 70km across Africa in support of an ambulance trust.

Donna Raine, from Rickmansworth, is travelling to Tanzania with her 69-year-old friend Maaike, who also lives in Rickmansworth, for a nine day walk on October 7.

The 46-year-old is supporting The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (HEMS), a charity providing free lifesaving helicopter emergency medical services, as she is aware they receive no lottery funding and only limited support from the government and so the majority of funds come from donations.

Ms Raine is holding the bingo night in Chorleywood Club, Swannells Walk, Mill End, on September 29 but has already been her initial target by raising £4,263.

She said: “Those who know me will know that this will be a massive challenge for me. I have never done anything like this before.

“I am looking forward to seeing African elephants, lions, flamingos and rhinos as we trek while raising valuable funds for this charity.

“This, for me, is a once in a lifetime experience. Please help me reach my target, as none of us know if we will ever need to use HEMS at any point in our lives so let's keep it running.”

To support Ms Raine, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/donna-raine1

To buy a ticket for her bingo night, call Ms Raine on 07761637453