A HAIRDRESSER will be scaling new heights to support a good cause based in Upton-upon-Severn.

Lyn Hancock, recently turned 65, wanted to do something special to mark the occasion.

She has signed up for a challenging five-day hike to the top of Toubkai mountain in Morocco, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and the 36th tallest in the world.

Mrs Hancock, who works at Vanilla, in Pershore, has decided that her five day trek will be in aid of Funny Blood, a local cause that raises funds for research into a rare blood condition called Platelet Function Disorder.

The organisation was founded by Ruby Edwards, a mum from Upton, whose son Noah suffers from the condition and is prone to excessive bruising and bleeding.

“I wanted it to be for a cause that is small and local,” said Mrs Hancock.

“I met Ruby last year and was very impressed by both her and what she is doing.”

Toubkai stands at more than 13,000 feet tall and Mrs Hancock, who lives in Beckford, near Evesham, is aware that she has signed up for a huge task and is training hard to ensure she is prepared.

“I’ve never done anything like this before so it will certainly be quite a challenge,” she said.

“But I’ve been doing lots of training days and weekends so hopefully that will see me through it.”

Mrs Edwards, who is currently bidding to obtain official charitable trust status for Funny Blood, said she was thrilled that Mrs Hancock had chosen to support her cause.

She sets off for her challenge on October 13 and sponsor forms will shortly be available at Vanilla, in Church Street, Pershore.