A gutsy Sheffield woman is set to take on a gruelling physical challenge across Central America to raise money for a young people’s charity.

Tracey Armston (26), who lives in Nether Edge, will complete the Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge in aid of The Princes Trust.

Tracey, who works for Liberata, which manages council tax and housing benefits on behalf of Sheffield City Council, will fly out to San Jose, in Costa Rica, in March 2008.

She will be joined by 11 other colleagues from Liberata offices across the country for the gruelling seven day challenge.

Using only mountain bikes, small kayaks, river rafts and their feet, the team will travel more than 240 kilometres through dense rainforests, carved canyons and down racing rivers.

Programme management officer Tracey, who is originally from South Africa, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m delighted to have been chosen to take part. The challenge was advertised in our company magazine, and more than 20 staff members applied, so I was thrilled to make it through Liberata’s rigorous selection process.

“It will be extremely challenging, both physically and mentally, and we will need to be very well prepared. Over the next five months we train in all the different disciplines to build up our stamina and make sure we can cope with the intense schedule and varying climates.”

Tracey needs to raise a minimum of £3,000 for the Prince’s Trust - a UK charity that provides practical support to help young people overcome barriers and transform their lives.

Liberata staff held a banana day to help Tracey reach her fundraising target and raised £800.  They got dressed up in banana suits, gorilla costumes and pyjamas and organised a variety of fundraising activities including a raffle, cake sales and collection tins while Tracey completed a five and a half hour cycle on an exercise bike.

“Costa Rica is an amazing country and this will be fantastic team building opportunity as well as a great opportunity to raise vital funds for The Princes Trust.”

You can sponsor Tracey Armston online at www.justgiving.com/liberata or the Liberata team at www.justgiving.com/ta247costarica.