A CANCER survivor with a fear of heights is getting ready to tackle a 100ft drop from Newcastle's Tyne Bridge, to raise money for charity.

Victoria James, 44, a district nurse from Tynemouth, North Tyneside, is taking part in a sponsored abseil for Cancer Research UK, on Sunday, January 26.

Although she normally avoids heights at all costs, she is determined to raise money after her experience of breast cancer.

"Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a terrible shock," she said.

"I have always been so fit, but for seven months last year I could hardly get out of bed."

The mother-of-two was diagnosed in October 2001, had a mastectomy in November that year and then a course of chemotherapy treatment.

She has persuaded her youngest daughter, Ruth, 17, to take the plunge with her and is collecting sponsorship from her work colleagues at the Park Parade Surgery, in Whitley Bay.

Cash raised from the event will help fund the Cancer Research UK development therapeutics unit at the University of Newcastle.

Anyone interested in taking part can call Jill Campbell on 07881 812173, or 0191-281 8288.