A CARE home manager from Trowbridge is preparing for an 80km five-day Himalayan trek to raise funds for the National Autistic Society.

Teresa Hibbs, 24, is deputy manager of The Old Rectory, a residential home and day centre for 11 adults with autistic spectrum disorders in Trowbridge and is one of 40 people taking part in the sponsored trek.

She hopes to raise £3,000 for the charity and has raised more than 50 per cent of her total so far. Miss Hibbs, of Gloucester Road, Trowbridge, said: "I took part in a trek in Cuba in 2004 for the NAS and really enjoyed it.

"My friend persuaded me to take part in the Himalayan one too I've had a few doubts along the way but I'm really excited about it." She will be trekking at altitudes of more than 2,000m, going from Shimla in north-west India through the Palace of Junga, the Tara Devi temple, the forests of Chali, the pass of Mount Karol and the Sikh temple.

The expedition ends in India, with an overnight train journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Miss Hibbs has been trying to do as much training as she can but is finding it hard to fit it all in. She said: "I have been walking and swimming and trying to go to the gym when I get the chance, but it's hard to find the time.

I'm very nervous but it's a fantastic opportunity to raise money and awareness about autism."

An estimated 535,000 people have autism in the UK and the NAS supports individuals and families. Miss Hibbs has been raising funds through sponsored events and donations from individuals and businesses.

Her mother runs the Conservative Club in Gloucester Road and has helped organise race nights and skittles competitions, while Razor's Edge barbers in Trowbridge has also donated money.

  • Miss Hibbs leaves for India on May 12 and anyone interested in sponsoring her should visit www.justgiving.com/teresahibbs