At the beginning of the year Genevieve Tudor from BBC Radio Shropshire's Action Desk decided to raise some money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and was offered the choice of jumping out of an aeroplane... or jumping out an aeroplane.

Inspired by sheer panic she put forward a different idea. Which is why she, and six others from BBC Radio Shropshire, will be riding 70 miles across Shropshire along the Jack Mytton way.

There were two problems. Genevieve doesn’t own a horse and hasn’t ridden for 20 years. But this was not insurmountable … and now help is at hand in the form of Sovereign.

She’s a chestnut quarter horse, owned by Genevieve’s sister. It’s all looking good and the date set for the jaunt to begin is Monday 16th September 2002, when the intrepid seven will set off from Ray’s Farm, near Bridgnorth for the start of their marathon ride.

Obviously the point of the exercise is to raise money for Hearing Dogs, so the invitation is on the table - come and join the Shropshire seven!

Drop in for a day or half a day on Shanks' Pony or a real one. Or keep tuned to BBC Radio Shropshire to find out where they’ll be stopping for lunch and come along to pledge a couple of pounds.

Or get a sponsorship form and join in. You can find out more about Hearing Dogs and the Mad Jack Mytton Way by calling the Action Desk on 01743 49 9000.

If you’d like to find out more about how you can help raise funds to train and support a hearing dog call Barbara Harris, Chairman of the South Shropshire Branch on 078161 30105 or Yvonne Partridge, the Community Appeals Co-ordinator on 0121 689 6835.

More information is also available from the BBC Radio Shropshire Action Desk on 01743 49 9000.