A YOUNG woman from Ringwood is taking part in a gruelling race across the Namibian desert to raise money for a cancer centre where her friend is being treated.

Belinda Holdsworth, 33, began the six-stage Four Deserts Racing the Planet Race, which takes place over 250km of rugged desert pitted with rocks, canyons and soft sand, today.

Competitors have to carry all their own equipment and food and are only provided with water and a tent.

In December, Belinda’s good friend and colleague, Jason Napier, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Ewings sarcoma.

The cancer is located in his spine, and has subsequently paralysed him from the chest down.

Jason is currently undergoing treatment at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York and Belinda is hoping to raise funds for this centre.

Belinda said: “Jason’s strength and positive attitude throughout his diagnosis and treatment program are a true inspiration to me.

“I know that his experiences will help me get through my Namibian adventure, and for that reason I want to use this trip to raise as much money as possible to support Jason and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre.”

Belinda, who is currently working as an engineer, only entered the race in February and so has not been training for long.

But she said: “I have always been active and I was running anyway.”

Belinda completed the Rome marathon in March as part of her endurance training.

To sponsor Belinda visit www.firstgiving.com/belindaholdsworth.