A NURSE is undertaking the challenge of a lifetime to raise money for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.

Sister Jackie Burlison, from Birtley near Chester-le-Street, decided to raise funds for RNID after reading about the charity's Moroccan Challenge while at work at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The 37-year-old will join nurses and other professionals on a five-day challenge taking in Marrakech and trekking the Tizi Arguersiwal Pass to reach the summit of 4,167 metres high Mount Toubkal, just south of Casablanca.

Ms Burlison said: "When I saw the advert in the Nursing Times I knew I had to do the trek. I have always wanted a challenge and I have a friend who is deaf so can understand the problems deaf people face. Learning sign language has also helped me in my work."

Anyone who wants to support Ms Burlison, or who wants to take part in the trek should call Dominic Will at RNID on 020 7296 8157.

Anyone who wishes to take part must raise a minimum of £1,500 sponsorship and pay a non-refundable registration fee of £99