Leisure centre administrator Lynn Tyler

In her latest Face to Face interview, Karen Bethell talks to north Norfolk leisure centre administrator Lynn Tyler. Brought up sharing her childhood home with a series of foster children with special needs, Lynn, 30, was inspired to complete treks to Chile and Kenya for cerebral palsy charity Scope. Having raised nearly £6,000 to date, she is now preparing to embark on her most gruelling challenge yet . . .

As a sports-mad youngster, West Runton-born Lynn was on her school hockey and netball teams, also playing tennis and cricket, and swimming at lunchtimes.

After leaving Cromer High School, she studied for a BTEC qualification in public services at Kings Lynn College.

Lynn then worked as a domestic assistant at Aylmerton Field Studies Centre and, after toying with the idea of becoming a police officer, decided to train as a veterinary nurse.

But the emotional side of the job, coupled with long hours and nights on call, took their toll and, in 2000, she decided to join Sheringham's Splash leisure centre as a receptionist.

She then trained as a lifeguard and, when Splash owners DC Leisure opened the Victory swimming and fitness centre at North Walsham in 2003, transferred there to work as a customer advisor.

The following year, Lynn saw a poster appealing for people to take part in a 5-day trek across Chile in aid of Scope and, inspired by her parents' efforts in fostering 15 youngsters with disabilities at the same time as bringing up their own 3 children, she decided to sign up.

After raising £2,800 through donations and a sponsored aerobathon held at Victory, Lynn embarked on a trip which saw her walk for up to 10 hours a day surrounded by spectacular lakes and glaciers.

Keen to support Scope further, in 2006 she embarked on a second trek - across Kenya's Great Rift Valley - this time raising £2,600.

In February of next year, Lynn, who now works as a finance and payroll administrator for DC Leisure's 3 north Norfolk sites, will complete a hat-trick of challenges when, following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, she treks to the base of Everest.

She has so far raised more than £850 towards the £3,500 needed for the trip and has organised a 114,000 metre rowing challenge, which is due to take place at Victory on August 17.

Lynn is looking for teams of 10 people and those interested in taking part can contact her at Victory, phone 01692 409370. To make a donation towards Lynn's Everest trek, visit www.justgiving.com/lynntyler1

What is the best thing about your job?

The staff - I've made some really good friendships, both at Victory and Splash.

And the worst?

All the deadlines I have to work to.

What is the one possession you would save if your house was on fire?

A ring that used to belong to my Nan, who died a few years ago. It's not worth anything, money-wise, but somehow I feel safer when I wear it.

Where do you go to unwind?

I let out all my stress by playing badminton or going out walking at Felbrigg Hall or Pretty Corner, where it is nice and peaceful.

What is your favourite Norfolk building?

I have been a National Trust member for a few years and I love all the stately homes, but I particularly like the elegance of Blickling Hall and the beautiful gardens.

Have you ever done anything outrageous?

I think my Everest trip will be the most outrageous thing I've done. I have always been quite a shy person and, although it takes a lot of guts for me to go when I don't know anybody, doing the treks has really brought out my confidence.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be.

I'd like to be more outgoing and a bit less shy.

What is your proudest moment?

Probably completing my Chile trek as I felt really pleased with myself for having the confidence to do it.

And your greatest achievement?

That will have to be when I do the Everest trek. The only time I had second thoughts about it was when I thought about how much money I had to raise as it gets harder each time you do it. But it's where I have always dreamed of going, it's a once in a lifetime experience, and it's a big bonus to be able to support Scope at the same time.

Who do you most admire?

My mum and dad for what they have done with their lives - I'm really proud of them.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

No. When push comes to shove, I'd like to think I'm quite a courageous person.

What makes you angry?

I'm quite a patient, easy-going person, so the only thing that would really make me angry is if someone upset or hurt my family or friends.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

Book: The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans; Film: Dirty Dancing for the great feeling you get when you watch it, and, on TV, I never miss Heroes.

How would you like to be remembered?

Just as a loyal, nice person who is always willing to help others.