HE's scared of spiders and snakes but Jack Tinkler will overcome his fears to raise cash for the hospice that cared for his dad.

The 21-year-old will set off this weekend with his colleague Fiona Barwick to a jungle in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

Jack, who works at Food@Broadway on Kingstown Industrial Estate in Carlisle, said: "Eden Valley Hospice holds a special place in my family's heart. In 2010 my dad, David Tinkler, was diagnosed with cancer.

"The hospice provided me with fully trained counsellors who were of huge benefit to my young self.

"However, it didn't stop there, my dad was admitted on several occasions for respite care. He would often describe it as a five star hotel.

"The hospice has supported me and my mum in ways we could never repay."

Even after David's death, Jack says the hospice continued to provide support to him and his family.

On Saturday he will pack a rucksack and fly to South America on a guided trek through the jungle.

He said: "I don't want to go. I'm petrified of spiders and snakes but I realised that if I was going to do anything then I need to get out of my comfort zone.

"It will be the sixth anniversary of my dad's death when I am away and I need to do something to make me feel better.

"I was going to do it on my own and then Fiona said she had booked on because she didn't want me to go alone.

"There will be no showers or toilets and I guess if we're hungry then we'll eat anything."

Jack says the temperature in the rainforest will be in the high 30s.

He said: "It's going to be humid - about 99 per cent humidity.

"I'll be carrying a 110 litre rucksack with first aid kits, spare clothes and a camera. Our bed will be a hammock."

Fiona is doing the trek in memory of her mum Mavis Crabb. She has been losing weight before the trek and is hoping to raise about £5,000.

Jack said: "Fiona has done really well with her weight loss. We both joined a gym and we've been doing a lot of walking.

"We have to train our legs to walk in the heat."

The pair will fly from Heathrow to Sao Paulo and then on to Manous in Brazil before joining some other people who are on the trek.

Jack, a former pupil at Newman School, said: "I know that i'll gain massive life skills and experiences from it.

"I hope that I will come to realise that although things we're faced with may appear difficult, they are easily achievable. I'm most looking forward to raising funds and awareness to help the hospice continue providing superior care."

To sponsor Jack visit /www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jacktinks

and for Fiona visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-barwick1