A HIKER from Barton is to embark on a gruelling Peruvian trek in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief in memory of her brother.

By completing the Inca trail, Pam Mills, 48, will raise more than £600 for the charity, which is also helping a close friend fight the disease.

"I am taking part in the challenge for two reasons. Firstly, it is in memory of my dear brother Tony Fenton, who lost his battle against cancer this time last year," she said.

"It is quite poignant, as we will arrive on the last day of the hike at Machu Picchu on the anniversary of Tony's death."

She is also undertaking the hike to help her close friend Jeanne Tweedy who was recently diagnosed with lung and bone cancer.

Ms Tweedy, who ran the Shoulder of Mutton in Middleton Tyas for 20 years, has never smoked, and it is believed her illness has been caused by passive smoking.

Ms Mills said: "Macmillan has been brilliant - my friend is going through her second lot of chemotherapy and it is very painful. She has her own personal nurse she can call on any time of day or night.

"It takes a lot of the practical worry off the family and offers them help and support."

To raise money for the charity, Ms Mills has been training since February in preparation for the five-day trek, running three times a week and going on hikes at weekends. "We will be walking for up to eight hours a day, but I'm most worried about the altitude," she said.

"You don't know how it's going to affect you until you get there - apparently it's to do with genetics rather than fitness."

As a reward for their hard work, the hikers are free to spend their final day in Peru exploring the ancient city of Cusco, before flying back to England.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has made this possible, particularly my neighbour John and my colleagues. I just hope I don't end up with too many blisters!"

Anyone who would like to sponsor Pam Mills can do so by contacting Macmillan Cancer Care.