COURAGEOUS mother-of-two Nicky Weastell, who is battling cancer, took on another challenge yesterday - a 180ft bungee jump.

The 35-year-old solicitor, who admits she is scared of heights, took on the jump to raise money for the hospital which is caring for her.

Nicky was diagnosed with bowel cancer when she was 23 weeks into her second pregnancy.

And, four days after baby Hal was born on December 7, weighing just 3lbs 5oz, she underwent an operation - but doctors found the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and could not be cured.

"I have no option but to be upbeat," she said.

"I've got a young family and I've got every reason to stay positive. Life is precious and you have to live it to the full."

Money raised from the jump, held at Saltburn Cricket Club, will go to chemotherapy and neonatal units at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.

Nicky, who lives in Stokesley with husband Jonathan, 33, has undergone intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

"I've never done a bungee jump before, I don't even like heights. It isn't really something I thought I would do, but with all the fantastic support I have had, I didn't feel I had any alternative. I did feel very nervous when I was peering over the edge."

Days earlier, she stayed in hospital overnight suffering from the effects of treatment. She is in the final part of a six-cycle trial treatment which aims to shrink her tumour.

Nicky, who has raised nearly £4,000 for the hospital so far, said that her positive attitude has helped.

"I stay busy and keep fit and do not dwell on my illness," she said. "Everyone that goes through this is extremely brave. My advice to them is don't forget to live. Don't ask why - just live your life as normally as possible. I don't go around in a deep depression - I've got too much to do. I have to get on with it.

"It's not me that's special. It is my friends and family that have made the difference. They are so loving and supportive."

The event was organised by Simon Walker, chairman of Saltburn Cricket Club, who said: "I'm not easily impressed, but Nicky is an absolute superstar."

The event also included a car boot sale, fun fair, quad bikes, donkey rides and a tombola. Anyone wishing to donate money can call Mr Walker on (01642) 440444.