A mother will be conquering the world’s largest desert to raise money in memory of a friend’s daughter in her biggest challenge yet.

Jaki King, 45, of Gates Close, Borehamwood, will be flying to Morocco to walk two marathons across the Sahara Desert to raise money for the heart charities.

This is the latest trial Jaki is undertaking in honour of Shelly Mills, who died of a heart condition in 2014, aged only 23.

So far Mrs King has raised £2,000 and the money will be shared between the British Heart Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Since 2014, more than £25,000 has been raised in Shelly’s memory to save the lives of people living with heart conditions.

Previously Jaki has challenged herself to raise money following Shelly’s death, including taking part in the Shine night-walk and walking from London to Brighton.

Jaki said: “I like to do things bigger and better every year so this seemed like a brilliant challenge.

“Shelly was an only child and I have one child, so I can only imagine what her parents are going through to lose her at such a young age, I just could not bear it.

“I have had so much support from people for undertaking this challenge, it’s been amazing. I have already hit my target but I want to do more.

“The walking has been okay, but I think it is the heat that will be a challenge as it will be 30 degrees when I am out there, but I will keep going, I hope that each marathon will take eight to 10 hours to complete.

“I will be filming while I am out there, so that people can see what I am going through, and cannot wait to share my story on my return.”

Jaki will be flying out tomorrow and completing her challenge on Thursday and Friday of this week before flying back at the weekend.

To sponsor Jaki visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jaki-king3 or for more information on other challenges taken in memory of Shelly visit https://www.justgiving.com/remember/136817/Shelly-Mills.