A TERMINALLY ill woman from the North-East will fly to Mexico later this week in a bid to extend her life expectancy.

Two years ago, Sandra Richardson, 52, was told she had breast cancer, but fought determinedly against it for the sake of her family.

In August last year, she was told she had developed secondary cancer and had only two or three years to live.

But with three daughters and a granddaughter, she was determined she wouldn't give up without a fight.

On Sunday, she will fly to Mexico to undergo specialist treatment at the Oasis of Hope Hospital, in Tijuana.

Mrs Richardson, from Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, will join another North-East cancer sufferer already undergoing treatment at the clinic.

Pamela Aston, of Spennymoor, County Durham, flew out at the start of this month.

Her daughter, Michelle, said: "It's really rough for her and it's not easy, because it's non-stop medication.

"The clinic is really positive. They say she is responding well to the treatment and they are really pleased with her."

Both women have been boosted by a host of fundraisers who have helped pay towards the cost of the £20,000 treatment.

It combines alternative medicine with conventional treatment and is not available in the UK.

Last night, Mrs Richardson said she was also hopeful that the treatment would have a positive result.

"I have got a hell of a lot to live for and so much to give. It is just a waste for me to die when I have got so much drive and enthusiasm left in me."

The hospital claims to have improved the life expectancy of some of its patients by as much as 45 years.

"I am apprehensive, but it is something I have got to try. I can't give up," she said.

"I am terminally ill, but hopefully they can give me a better quality of life and extend my lifetime. This is not an easy option but I have to try every avenue open to me."