AS a police officer, she is used to chasing criminals.

But next month Inspector Veronica Singleton will be taking on an entirely different kind of pursuit – hot-footing it across the Sahara Desert.

Insp Singleton, who is based at police HQ in Stanborough Road, WGC, is taking part in the Marathon des Sables – a gruelling 150-mile endurance event widely regarded as the “toughest foot race on Earth”.

She will be covering between 18 and 50 miles each day in the southern Moroccan desert, carrying her kit, food, cooking equipment and sleeping bag on her back.

With temperatures in the Sahara up in the 30s, Insp Singleton admitted the harsh winter here in the UK had not been ideal preparation during her three months of rigorous training.

But she said: “I’ve got many years’ experience of competing as a club runner and have taken part in 35 marathons since the early 1980s, but I don’t think anything can really prepare me for the toughest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever undertaken.”

Insp Singleton, who works as Chief Constable Frank Whiteley’s staff officer, is aiming to raise �3,000, to be split between Cancer Research UK and The Salvation Army.

She said: “I’ve lost so many people dear to me through cancer, including my father, mother-in-law and sister, so will be running in memory of them and with the aim of raising as much money as possible.

“I’m also passionate about the non-judgmental work that my other chosen charity, The Salvation Army, does for vulnerable people, especially the lonely, homeless, elderly and domestic violence victims.”

She added: “I know money is tight for many at the moment, but any donations people are willing to make in aid of these two fantastic charities would be very much appreciated.”

Use the links above to sponsor Insp Singleton.