JOAN Fisher is travelling to the other side of the world this Christmas to take on the climb of her life in aid of Nightingale House Hospice.

'BridgeClimb' has become one of the world's most talked about physical challenges, providing the opportunity for thousands of climbers a year to conquer their fear of heights by climbing the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, whose summit is 134 metres above the bay.

During the climb Joan, from Wrexham, will be walking along sections of flat and inclined mesh catwalks, climbing up and down a total of 465 widely-spaced steps, ducking under and squeezing between some of the bridge's girders.

Louise Elliott, hospice fundraising development officer, said: 'People have taken on all sorts of bizarre and dangerous challenges to boost the funds of the hospice in the past, but as far as I know, this is the first time anyone has travelled to the other side of the world to raise money for Nightingale House!

'We are all wishing Joan the very best of luck with her climb, and hoping that lots of people will sign up to sponsor her for this incredible challenge.'

Any readers who would like to sponsor Joan can contact Louise at the Nightingale House fundraising office on 01978 314292.