North London mums Emma Yantin and Nicky Miller are hopefully off to Israel next week for a unique five-day challenge.

The women are spearheading the Aviv Challenge on behalf of Wizo, Women's International Zionist's Organization. Between April 25 and 30, 17 women aged between 30 and 45 will be leaving their comfort zones to take part in a series of tasks to help disadvantaged children in Israel.

They will help improve services and facilities at one of Wizo's flagship projects, the Rebecca Sieff Centre in Jerusalem, which runs vocational training for youngsters and provides shelter for women and children suffering from domestic abuse. Mother-of-three Mrs Yantin, Aviv co-ordinator, tells People: "It will be a great opportunity to see how the centres work and see where the money goes."

The team will be decorating the centre, refurbishing communal areas and working in the day-care centre and kitchens.

Aviv chair and also a mother of three, Mrs Miller, 37, adds: "It is hard because people are always asking for sponsorship for amazing causes but this challenge is slightly different.

"We will be raising sponsorship money beforehand but also doing work to help the centre when we are out there."

They are hoping to raise around £30,000 to go towards various Wizo projects in Israel.