Ask Dawn Newman to climb a ladder or take a trip on the London Eye and she admits she would be the last in line to volunteer.

But although she dislikes heights, she is jumping to the front of the queue to climb mountains for world peace.

Dawn has always felt drawn to the culture and people of Tibet, whose peaceful existence was shattered when it was taken over by China during the last century.

Tibet's leader, the Dalai Lama, was forced to flee in exile to the West and is revered as an influential figurehead by Buddhists all over the world.

Dawn, 37, will take part in a gruelling 100km trek through the Himalayas in May to raise money for the Rokpa Trust's Stupa Project for world peace.

She has already cut her teeth on one of the most challenging climbing experiences in Britain to help raise the £3,700 she needs to go to Tibet.

She took part in the Three Peaks Challenge last August, during which she climbed Scafell Pike in England, Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales, the highest mountains in each country.

Dawn, of Sackville Gardens, Hove, said: "If you asked me to climb to the top of a ladder or go on the London Eye, it would probably freak me out.

"I am not very happy at all when it comes to heights and climbing man-made objects.

"But it is different when I am on a mountain because I still feel connected to earth, despite being so high up."

She will take part in the Millennium Himalayan Challenge, which begins in Tibet on May 3, and is appealing for sponsors to back her.

A music and poetry evening at the Sanctuary cafe in Hove and other events have already helped raise half the money she needs to take part.

Others events planned include a fund-raising meal at The Everest Nepalese restaurant in Portland Road, Hove, on Tuesday and a bring-and-buy sale on January 29.

Money raised by the trek will be used to build the first two traditional Buddhist stupas in Britain.

Stupas, dome-shaped Buddhist shrines, represent the eight stages of Buddha's life and the eight monuments built to contain his remains after his death.

Dawn said: "I have always been the adventurous one in my family and have an affinity with Buddhism.

"After the events of September 11, it is even more important we do all we can to promote world peace."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Dawn can contact her on 01273 205194.