February 15, 2001 16:36: WOMAN on a mission, Gill Welch, is aiming to walk the Tibetan Plateau to raise money for Mencap.

The 35-year-old marketing manager from Chalfont St Peter hopes to walk the plateau in May for 12 days.

However, she needs to raise £2,500 by March 10 in order to secure her place.

She said: "Each person has to raise a minimum of £2,500 by the time of the trip, and more than half that sum by mid-March to secure a place on the trek.

"Much of the walking in Tibet will be done at altitude and being fit means you have one less thing to worry about.

"Towards the end of last year I was looking for a challenge and this answered my need. I have the impetus to get fit. I get to visit an exotic location and I make some new friends, all in aid of a very worthy cause."

She will walk through harsh terrain, from Kodari to the Ascent of the Yarle Sung-Le Pass, and will catch a glimpse of Mount Everest.

Mencap provides services such as homes and support groups and campaigns for people with learning disabilities to enjoy the same rights as everyone else.

Gill will be holding a bazaar to raise money. There will be bargains, home-made cakes and some prizes on offer in the tombola and lucky dip.

It opens at 9.30am at Chalfont St Peter Parish Church Hall, Church Lane, on March 3.