A HIGH flying aerial arts instructor will trade her silks for some hiking boots this month, to raise money for the Amazon rain forest.

Prestatyn Elevation Aerial Arts owner Samantha Palomba, 50, will join a team of hikers to take on the 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge on Friday, September 20.

As well as raising money for conservation charity the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) appeal following devastating forest fires in the Amazon Forest throughout August, she will also plant a sapling near each of the peaks at Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

Mrs Palomba said: “I find it shocking that people just ignore the massive destruction of the planet and the amazing species we are killing for our own gratification.

“I will be planting saplings and have taken advice on which trees will be suitable for the environment, it is important not to use the wrong type of tree and I have had to clear it with the Forestry Commission.”

Mrs Palomba will be taking on the challenge with a group from Peak Physique Fitness based at the Saint’s Gym in Meliden, which organises similar trips to help build walkers’ confidence.

Rhyl Journal:

Aerial arts instructor Mrs Palomba is more accustomed to the hoop than hiking boots. Picture: Drew Forsyth

While the award winning instructor - whose pupils The Journal recently reported excelled at a global competition at Russell’s International Circus - is accustomed to maintaining an incredible level of physical fitness on the hoop, silks and pole, hiking will present an entirely new challenge for the two time doubles winner at UK Aerial Performance Championships in 2016 and 2017.

Mrs Palomba added: “I’ve walked up Snowdon once before, but haven’t done any other walking at all. It is very much out of my comfort zone - I am much happier off the ground, and I don’t know what to expect.

“I have been away for the summer so I have had to hit the ground running but is as far from aerial performance as I think I could go.”

To help support Mrs Palomba raise £1,100 for the Amazon rainforest, click here.