A DOG groomer from Penarth is set to trek two marathons in two days to raise money for an animal charity.

Kathryn Dacey, who runs Kathryn's Happy Hounds in Dinas Powys, travels to Iceland on Friday July 22 to raise money for the Blue Cross charity.

Miss Dacey, who lives in Cosmeston, will be taking part in the Iceland Challenge alongside her niece, Bethan, who is raising money for a hospice in her hometown of Brighton.

Earlier this year, Miss Dacey joined the Penarth and District Ramblers, with whom she climbed hills and mountains in preparation for her big challenge.

"I love animals and have done some fundraising events for the charity in the past so I thought I would raise money for them," she said.

"Preparations are going well but it is also very hard work."

Once she has arrived in Iceland, she will set out on the marathon walk at around 5am on Saturday July 23, and then at the same time on Sunday July 24 for the second.

She will be walking a total of 52 miles over the two days, and camping in between.

She has been helped with her training by a one-year-old Portuguese Podengo, called Ramakin, who she adopted from a rescue centre in January.

Miss Dacey said that Ramakin has loved taking part in the treks with her and her fellow ramblers.

Miss Dacey added: "I am getting nervous for it now. I want to get it over and done with. I have had some trouble with my kit, especially with my trainers, but that has been the only thing that has gone wrong."

Her target is to raise £1,500 through both online and in-person sponsorship.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wwwbluecrossorguk