A NEWPORT midwife wants to save infant lives by walking over 100 miles at high altitude.

Community midwife Julie Hughes, of Fields Park Avenue, is fundraising for research into cot death by walking the Inca Trail in Peru.

In September she plans to walk 100 miles in five days with other fundraisers at altitudes of over 4,000m.

Mrs Hughes, 45, a mother of two girls, said: "The distance won't be hard for me. I've walked 140 miles of the Pembrokeshire Coast in a week.

"It's the altitude that could be tough. I won't know what effect it will have on me until I'm there, but I'll do some training beforehand with the Gwent Ramblers and at the gym.

"The Foundation of Sudden Infant Death is a very good cause.

"About 400 babies die a year in the UK and it's very tragic as the babies look healthy. The exact causes are unknown but taking precautions lowers the risk.

"I aim to raise over £2,500 and it's going well so far. I'm planning on holding a raffle.

"Fitness First gym have given me a pair of month-long membership passes and the Groes Wen pub near Penhow has donated a meal.

"I'm looking forward to the trip. I've been to Mexico and am interested in Latin America."

To make a donation call 01633 250 994.