A hospital secretary will take part in a gruelling canoe trek along the Amazon to raise money for charity.

Maths graduate Amanda Simpson is planning a 12-day trek and canoeing trip in Ecuador, South America, to raise money for the Deaf Childrens' Society.

She has held cake sales at her home in Collinwood Road, Headington, to fund the £2,300 trip in March.

She hopes to gain sponsorship from a local company.

The Churchill Hospital secretary, 23, also plans to raise funds by tutoring GCSE maths students.

She can be reached on 01865 762173 or e-mail amandaintheamazon@hotmail.com