LIZZY Yates' energy levels should be at their highest when she pedals off on a bike ride along the Nile.

Not only has the Charlton-based business, Behind The Bike Shed fitted her with a robust bike for the charity ride in aid of Mencap, the shop has also supplied high energy drinks and concentrated snacks.

Lizzy, who is 42 and lives in Watermills in Andover, is looking forward to her 420 km Egyptian adventure in February for which she has to raise £2,000.

It's a lot different from her daytime job, working with a jewellery company based in Andover. "I'm quite fit and I'm going on training cycle rides and I go to the leisure centre in Andover."

At the heart of her enthusiasm for the ride is the desire to 'give something back to life'.