Two Huddersfield health professionals are to embark on a charity trek to Burma.

Anna Cooke and Deborah Redmond are podiatrists based at The Princess Royal Health Centre in Huddersfield.

And due to their work they have seen for themselves the devastating damage diabetes can cause.

Anna, 35, of Kirkburton said: “Working with patients affected by diabetes, treating the complications that can occur, is a big part of our job as podiatrists.

Anna joked: “That’s professional foot fiddlers for the uninitiated’

Deborah continued: “It is a huge problem both locally and worldwide, and can have a massive impact on a person’s quality of life. There are more than 100 amputations in the UK every week, due to Diabetes.

“Diabetes poses a serious danger to feet and the condition doubles the risk of having foot disease.“

An even greater threat is posed by diabetic neuropathy which happens when the feet can’t send information to the brain because they’ve become numb from overexposure to blood sugar.”

Speaking about the trip, she added: “We wanted a bit of a challenge and a lot of them involved bikes, and me and bikes don’t mix!

“Trekking seems to fit because you obviously have to take care of your feet.

“We had a look on the internet a few months ago at the different challenges available. We settled on Burma and will be part of an organised group through Charity Challenge setting off on October 10.”

The women will set off in October and will be away for 10 days and trek for five of them.

Deborah, 48, of Marsh added: ““We will walk about 10 miles each day but it will be on rough mountainous terrain with humid climate. I’ve never done anything like this before so I am really excited but a little nervous. It will be great to see the different culture in Burma and raise funds for Diabetes UK to allow research and support people with diabetes.”

To add funds towards their trip they are hosting a charity auction at The Ukranian Club on Sunday September 28.

Anna added: “We need to raise £6,700 for the charity and we already have £1,500.

“We hope the bulk of the money will come from the auction.

“We are also selling books on a stall at the health centre for donations.”

For more information about Diabetes UK or to sponsor the ladies go to www.justgiving.com/Anna-Cooke3/