A DOG groomer who works at a Barry vets has set her sights on tackling Ben Nevis in an effort to raise funds for an animal charity.

Barry resident Ceri James, who is a Type 2 diabetic, took up mountain-climbing in 2015 to improve her health and got “hooked.”

The 56-year-old mum climbed Mount Snowdon with her friend Debbie Edmunds, 50, a Llandough Hospital physiotherapist, for the Love Hope and Strength Foundation, last year.

She will make a bid for the summit of Ben Nevis on Friday, July 7 in aid of Blue Cross.

Ben Nevis, at 1,345 metres above sea level in Scotland is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

Miss James said: “Mountain climbing is fantastic. The health and fitness benefits are great and it is a wonderful opportunity to meet other people, to have fun and to enjoy great scenery.

"Every mountain and every trek looks and feels different. Every climb is a new challenge to overcome and offers the chance to make new memories.

“Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted to really challenge myself. I also wanted to raise funds for Blue Cross which is the charity Petherton Vets is supporting this year.

"I’ve been brought up with animals and, since my divorce four years ago, my Jack Russell, Peaches, has been my buddy and constant companion. Blue Cross does amazing work helping abandoned, unwanted, sick or injured animals so I really want to help the charity to help less fortunate pets.”

She added: “I will travel up to Glasgow on the Caledonian Sleeper with Debbie before heading to Fort William to a hostel where we will meet our fellow climbers. The next morning our adventure begins. It should take us around eight hours to complete the climb and descend.

“I am training four nights a week, going to the gym, jogging and doing one long walk a week with Peaches. I’m getting very excited now and can’t wait for the big day.”

Clinical Director at Petherton Vets, Dr Rhian Hobrough said: “We are all very proud of Ceri. Climbing Ben Nevis is no mean feat and she’s training hard to get ready. She’s determined to raise as much as she can for the Blue Cross and we are all behind her and looking forward to hearing all about it.”

To sponsor, fill in a sponsor form at Petherton Vets, Broad Street, Barry or visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ceri-james4