AN educational support nurse is to scale new heights in memory of patients who lost their battle against cystic fibrosis.

Over her ten-year career as a nurse at The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, Mel Gannon has got to know many patients with the condition - the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease - and their families.

Now she is training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, in August in a bid to raise £3,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

She said: "Since working at the trust, I've got to know so many patients and their families with cystic fibrosis. I've watched children grow up into young adults and have, sadly, attended many funerals.

"It's the biggest condition which has affected me as a nurse, and while there is still no cure for the disease, the outcome and survival rate is much better now than it was."

Cystic fibrosis affects more than 7,500 babies, children and young adults. About 90 per cent of people with the disease die of lung damage, and the average life expectancy is only 31 years.

On the challenge of her impending mountain climb, Ms Gannon said: "I've never done anything like this before - that was part of the challenge - and I wanted to do something fairly major and very worthwhile.

"It's not just a physical challenge, but also a mental one. Our patients, past and present, and their families will drive me on."

To help with sponsorship, go to website www.justgiving. com/melgannon and follow the instructions on the site.

All money raised will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and Gift Aid can be added.