Jane Carrigan, 39, of Vale Crescent, Ferrybridge, will hike 50km through the mountains later this year as well as visiting the Romanian bear sanctuary, run by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

She said: "I always support animal charities because I don't like to hear of cases of cruelty or neglect towards any animal. What's happening to bears is horrid. They are such majestic animals and deserve to be free to roam."

The WSPA's sanctuary rescues bears who have been taken from the wild as cubs, and their mothers shot, for a life of captivity.

Most of them have never had any contact with grass, trees or water before arriving at the sanctuary.

Jane says she hopes to raise at least £2,200 for the sanctuary, which expects to take on another 30 bears this year, because of the closure of many of Romania's zoos which do not meet the EU standards of care.

She said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be doing this. Animals are so important to me. I rescue wildlife – anything from hedgehogs to squirrels. They have given me so much pleasure I thought it was time to give something back."

"I'm really looking forward to it as well as being scared and nervous. I think it will be quite emotional to see the sanctuary. I will probably be shedding quite a few tears."

Jane's trek takes place in September but she needs to raise the funds for the sanctuary before June.
Anyone wishing to sponsor Jane can make a donation on the website www.justgiving.com/janecarrigan.