A university student is embarking on gruelling hikes totalling 650km to raise money for two charities.

Holly Gilman, of the University of East Anglia (UEA), is putting herself through five demanding 'ultra hikes' to support women's welfare charity Pregnant Then Screwed and Pebbles Nursery and Day Care in Mundesley.

The liberal arts mature student, who is majoring in English literature, already has two hikes under her belt, one of which saw her conquer nearly three-quarters of a 106km loop on the Isle of Wight.

She said: "Prior to 2024 I had never completed any form of endurance challenge.

"But I’ve really applied myself to training, and I’ve learned through each challenge better ways of dealing with blisters and pains, and the mental fatigue.”

The hikes cover 650km UEA students Holly Gilman, left, and Tanya Clark (Image: Submitted)

Another challenge involved fellow UEA student Dana, tackling a 100km hike with a combined elevation of 2,500m in the Lake District.

While she was forced to retire after covering 75km due to fatigue and sickness, Holly remains undeterred.

Her next test will take place in the Peak District this month, where she aims to complete a further 100km hike in full.

On her last endeavour, she was joined by fellow student Tanya Clark, who was supporting the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably.

Despite dealing with a chronic pain disorder, she managed to complete 50km of the challenge.

Tanya said: "It was the hardest thing I've ever done physically, an amazing experience, and a joy to walk alongside Holly.

"What a beautiful country we have."

READ MORE: School pupils embrace superhero theme for sports day

Holly, chairwoman at Pebbles Nursery and Day Care, hopes to secure sufficient funds to help children with additional physical, educational and social needs.

"Our setting needs the funds to evolve and meet these needs," she said.

Followers can track Holly's progress on her fundraising page and Instagram account.