A MOTHER-OF-TWO is determined to complete a gruelling Alpine skiing challenge before "ending up in a wheelchair".

Louise Bowkett, who has multiple sclerosis, fears her mobility will one day be impaired by the debilitating disease that causes extreme fatigue.

SKI SMILES: Mrs Bowkett with Emma and Nicholas. Photo: mslouise1
DETERMINED FOR THE CHALLENGE: Louise Bowkett. Photo: mslouise2
HOME SWEET HOME: Battling Louise, pictured with her children. Photo: bowkett1

But the 41-year-old has signed up for the Monster Ski Challenge, a downhill endurance event which is the equivalent of skiing the height of Mount Everest every day on three successive days.

The ski and snowboarding feat, held in February, takes place in Tignes, a top snow resort in the French Alps.

Mrs Bowkett, who will be raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust, said: "I want to ensure I do something positive and useful like this before I maybe end up in a wheelchair or on sticks one day.

"It is a big challenge but I am determined to do it. But I expect to feel absolutely shattered after the experience.

"Thankfully, despite my condition, I am reasonably fit and healthy at this stage."

Mrs Bowkett was first diagnosed with MS about 14 years ago, when her son was just six weeks old.

She said: "I started to lose sensation in my back. A doctor thought it was a trapped nerve and said I really ought to get an MRI scan straight away.

"He alarmed me when he said 'don't go and jump off a bridge or anything'.

"I thought I must have some sort of brain tumour, but after the scan he concluded I had multiple sclerosis."

Mrs Bowkett has refused to let the condition get the better of her, despite two spells in hospital after losing her balance.

She says she is determined not to hide the reality of her condition from her two children, Nicholas, 14, and Emma, 12, adding: "I don't lie to my kids when I am feeling grotty."

A former chef for Formula One Racing, Mrs Bowkett works at Reigate Parish Church playgroup. She lives with her family, including husband Andrew, in Smoke Lane, Reigate.

She said: "I am a reasonable skier and fairly fit, but this will be something else.

"I'm busy walking up and down lots of hills and flights of stairs as part of my build-up."

She says she walks the family dog but her energy levels are limited.

Mrs Bowkett will be accompanied on the ski challenge by her friend Sarah Reilly, who formerly lived in Earlswood but now lives in Hampshire.

Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/LouiseandSarah to support the women. So far the pair have raised £1,145 towards their £3,400 target.