Intrepid fund-raiser Clare Forbes is taking on her toughest challenge yet.

The 23-year-old, who has both legs amputated below the knee, is preparing for a 56-mile trek across Cuba later this year.

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

Clare, from Flamsteed Heights Broadfield, Crawley, will be joined by stepfather Eiffie Verboot, 57, for the trek and the pair are already in training for the gruelling event.

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 almost switched of.

However she has since 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 two years ago, becoming the first double-amputee to finish.

The walk was draining and took her 19 hours and ten minutes but five months she was back in action and completing 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.

Clare said: "This is going to be the toughest thing I've done but I'm going to make sure I'm properly prepared.

"I am fully committed to finishing this but I know it is going to be a hard challenge."

The trek, which takes place at the end of November has been organised by the Douglas Bader Foundation and all the money Clare and her stepfather raise will go to the charity.

The foundation was formed in honour of Sir Douglas Bader in 1982 by family and friends, many of whom had flown side by side with him during the Second World War.

Sir Douglas was knighted in 1976 for his contribution and work on behalf of the disabled and the foundation's aim is to continue his work in conjunction with and on behalf of individuals with a disability.

Mr Verboot said: "Clare is keen for other people to sign up and do the trek as well. The Douglas Bader Foundation is an important charity so the more money that can be raised, the better."

Clare and Mr Verboot need to raise £5,000 between them for the trek and anyone who wants to sponsor them can visit www.justgiving.com/clareforbes-cubachallenge.

Anyone interested in taking up the challenge themselves should visit www.douglasbaderfoundation.co.uk.