Intrepid fund-raiser Clare Forbes is gearing herself up for her toughest challenge to date.

The 24-year-old, who has had both legs amputated below the knee, is preparing for a 56 mile trek across Cuba in March.

The walk will take her through spectacular limestone canyons and forested hills and she is determined to complete every step of the route.

Clare, of Flamsteed Heights, Broadfield, Crawley, will be joined by stepfather Eiffie Verboot, (crct) 58, for the gruelling event and the pair are already in training.

Clare spent six months of 2001 in a coma after contracting meningitis and suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and a stroke.

She had to have both her legs amputated below the knee and at one stage her life support machine was about to be switched off.

Since then she has made a remarkable recovery and has dedicated her time and efforts to raising money for charity.

Despite being told in October 2003 she would never walk again, Clare successfully carried out her first major challenge by walking the London Marathon in 2005, becoming the first double amputee to finish.

It took her 19 hours and ten minutes but five months later she was back in action and completed the New York Marathon in 12 hours and 17 minutes.

Doctors told Clare to take a break from long walks in 2006 so she raised money by conquering her fear of heights and doing a parachute jump.

Last month she was back in the US to take part in a half marathon in Los Angeles which she managed to complete without having to stop once.

Clare said: "It is going to be a tough personal challenge but I'm looking forward to it.

"There will be a lot of hard work involved but I am determined to make it through so I can raise as much money as I can for charity."

Mr Verboot said: "Clare has had an exceptionally busy year with various events and activities and now already in 2008 the plans are in place for the Cuba trek.

"She has also been working towards getting her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and once the trek is completed she will have finished all the necessary criteria.

"I'll be supporting her all the way."

Clare and her stepfather will be joining a team of trekkers for the event, which is in aid of the Douglas Bader Foundation.

To sponsor Clare and Mr Verboot, visit www.justgiving.com/clareforbes-cubachallenge.