FUNDRAISERS will swap champagne and chocolates for walking boots and waterproofs this Valentine's Day as they are spending it climbing Snowdon.

The 10 strong group will spend the weekend on Wales' highest mountain as part of a fitness and altitude training programme ahead of a Himalayas trek next month to raise funds for Stourton based charity, Living Springs, which supports young teenage mums and vulnerable families.

Beth Shepheard-Walwyn will be leaving husband Hugh at home in Pedmore as she heads for North Wales to walk a minimum of twelve miles a day.

She said: “When I first heard about the Himalayas trip I thought how wonderful but I can’t leave the family. Then after a few months I thought why not? I’ve been training by cycling to the park and I'm looking forward to Snowdon.

"I did invite the family but my daughter, Joy, doesn’t like walking - she’s more into clothes and make-up and although it’s Valentine’s Day Hugh isn’t really that much of a romantic soul."

Mrs Shepheard-Walwyn added: “I’ve never been off on a trip like this before on my own so the Himalayas will be a real adventure and hopefully it will help raise the profile of the Living Springs charity and the really valuable work they do.”

The charity's founder and centre director, Jane Chapman, will also be leaving husband and charity chairman Robert at home as she puts in the miles on Snowdon.

Sbe said: “I might manage to leave a Valentine’s card on the kitchen table for Rob to find, as I dash around packing up my walking kit and thermals. However, the main focus of the group will be acclimatising our legs to the distances required and surviving whatever the weather throws at us.”

To sponsor the team, visit www.livingsprings.co.uk.