A Biddulph resident is preparing to take on a gruelling 100km row in aid of a "vital" charity.

Jill Salt, who is also a Biddulph town and district councillor, will be taking on the tough challenge in just over a month's time - on Friday, 19th February - and is currently raising money ahead of that date.

Everything raised will go to the Midlands Air Ambulance charity, which Jill says she has an affinity with after being in the Air Cadets.

The challenge will be completed indoors on a rowing machine at home, and will be a real test of endurance as it is expected to take around 10 hours - which will all be completed in one stint.

If you would like to donate, visit Jill's GoFundMe page here. At the time of writing, the page has currently raised £60, with the current goal of raising £500 after the challenge has been completed.

Jill told Biddulph Nub News: "I'll be completing in February half term because my husband James is off that day too, and I'll need his support for patching up blisters, drinks & cheering me on.

"I've chosen rowing as I have a Concept 2 rowing machine at home, and my knees do not like running - dodgy alignment of knee caps causes pain, and it's also not the weather for outdoor cycling, especially in lockdown.

"I really like my rowing, done it since I was a teenager at college. It's a full body workout, good for the knees, and can be done at home. The challenge is off the back of the sponsored marathon that I did in July for Biddulph Youth and Community Zone. It came about as a result of lockdown 3 - it's a goal in the future and having something to focus on is what gets me through."

Discussing the endurance aspect of the challenge, she explained: "So the furthest I've rowed in one sitting is a full marathon and by the end I had bleeding blisters on my heals and chafing! But I've learnt from that.

"It definitely won't be quick. It will take around ten hours. I'm not going for pace but for the challenge - it's 62 miles.

"I am a member of a few online rowing forums and the advice is the challenge is mentally taxing. I'm hoping Netflix will get me through and some banging tunes when I need a pick me up."

Jill also explained why she chose the Air Ambulance as her charity, saying: "I've chosen the Air Ambulance because its existence comes from charity funding alone. I am very lucky not to have need of their services but I understand how vital they are.

"I've always had an affinity for the Air Ambulance and ran the Great North Run in 2005 for them. It might have something to do with being in the Air Cadets, 230 squadron in Congleton.

"230 squadron RAF had Puma helicopters and I spent a week in Northern Ireland at RAF Aldergrove flying in a Puma, Wessex and Gazelle. It was the prize for winning cadet of the year - the first female in our cadet squadron to have ever done so. I love helicopters!

"The main reason for it though is this future goal. They're getting me through the pandemic, it's my light at the end of the tunnel. Plus exercise works wonders for my mental health."

Those who have donated so far have wished Jill luck in her upcoming challenge, with one saying: "All the best for your challenge Jill, you'll smash it!"

Another added: "Go for it Jill. It's a great cause."