A SPA manager from Hartley Wintney will have her father in mind when she attempts a gruelling charity challenge.

This summer, Maria Herrera will climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, cycle 15 miles, canoe nearly two miles and cycle another 10 all in 24 hours with four colleagues from the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, in Dogmersfield.

The 36-year-old, who will raise money for the World Cancer Research Fund, has not been able to visit her father Ramon in Venezuela since he was diagnosed with colon cancer in November last year.

Her father, who lives in the capital Caracas, has undergone radiation, chemotherapy and a major operation to tackle the 10cm tumour.

Despite being born in the country, Maria has never held a Venezuelan passport, opting instead to use her Spanish one, and the country, which is suffering from civil unrest, has recently tightened its entry conditions.

She said: “All I want to do is see him, so it’s been very worrying not being able to be there for him and see how he’s coping.

“Having this challenge, and doing all the training, has really helped me to give me a focus and something else to concentrate on.”

The challenge will take place on Saturday, June 7 and could take more than 10 hours.

Maria is currently in training with the rest of team – Gerald Ley, 49, from Camberley, Darren Goswell, 26, from Reading, and Angela Beckett, 34, from Aldershot.

Paul Fretwell, head of fundraising at World Cancer Research Fund, said: “We are hugely grateful to this hard-working team for their support.”

The team has so far raised more than £2,500 towards their £5,000 target. To donate, visit justgiving.com/CoolRunnings-Hampshire.