A woman is undertaking a daunting trek through the foothills of the Himalayas in honour of her brother who died following a car crash.

Nathalie Prodano, who is a technical coordinator at Barratt Homes in Watford, will start the five-day, 52km Dalai Lama Trekking Challenge on October 26.

She is raising money for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, who worked so hard to resuscitate her brother, Gerry, and save her niece, Kamiylah, after the devastating accident on the A127.

Gerry succumbed to his injuries at Northwick Park Hospital four-and-a-half months after the crash and now his sister is trying to build up as much support in his memory.

She said: “It’s a very personal journey for me because I was so close to my brother.

“This challenge represents our relationship well. It’s a spiritual trip, so to speak, because that’s we would often talk about.”

Nathalie explained how it was a random Google search which led her to the trek, and, after signing up, she believes it feels as if it was “meant to be”.

One of the most important things, she added, was to raise awareness about the “incredible work” performed by everyone at Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

“This is a really important charity and it is vital that they receive support,” she explained. “It costs a lot for them to do what they do but they are saving lives.”

Kamiylah, who has been through a lot since the crash and coming to terms with losing her father, will also get the chance to meet the air ambulance team before her auntie departs for India.

Nathalie noted how this is bound to be “an emotional occasion” but it will give her whole family another chance to express their immense gratitude.

To donate to Nathalie on behalf of Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, click here.