A BUSINESSWOMAN is set to take part in an international charity challenge.

Susan Routledge, who runs the Finishing Touch Health and Beauty Clinic in Consett, is taking part in a 400km cycle marathon in Sri Lanka to raise money for the Genesis Trust.

The charity was set up by scientist and TV personality Prof Robert Winston to improve the health of women and babies.

Ms Routledge has been training for months on the moorland roads and hopes her fitness levels will cope with the tropical climate in Sri Lanka.

She is scheduled to set off for the nine-day trip on September 19 and will join 79 other women from the UK who are also taking on the challenge.

She said: "The charity has struck a chord with friends and customers and it is close to my heart.

"I have seen a lot of people go through the heartache of trying for a family and losing babies and have experienced the same myself.

"The money raised will be added to other fund raising efforts organised through Finishing Touch and I am confident we will eventually be handing over a cheque to Genesis Trust for over £5,000."