A CANCER charity campaigner, who lost her mum and grandmother to the disease, is to complete a fund-raising mountain trek.

Vanessa Nuttall, 38, will jet off to Morocco later this month to take on an arduous six-day hike across the Anti Atlas mountains.

The BBC radio producer, who lives in Heaton, has raised thousands of pounds to pay for the trip and boost the funds of the Cancer Research Campaign.

Singer

And Vanessa, who is an accomplished soprano singer, has used her musical talents to collect the cash,

She has staged two concerts, one in Bolton and the other in Congleton, which have helped her raise a total of £2,700.

But with less than three weeks to go to her trip, Vanessa, who will be joined by adventurers from throughout the country for the challenge, is now aiming to pass the £3,000 mark.

She said: "I will be walking for six to eight hours every day for six days. We should cover about 60 miles in all but a lot of that will be at altitude. I'm at the gym every day, training to build up my stamina and muscles and I walk every day as well."

Since losing her mum, Jennifer, of cancer at the age of 58 as well as her grandmother, Margaret Mills, Vanessa has become heavily involved in fund-raising for Cancer Research.

The charity trek will see her scaling a 6,000 feet peak in temperatures ranging from seven to 20 degrees Celsius, as well as camping in communal tents.

And during her pre-trek preparation she has even been given some four-legged help from her sister's Yorkshire Terrier, Daisy, who she has taken on walks.

Vanessa added: "Daisy has dragged me along on some walks. She will be the fittest dog in Europe by the time I do the trek.

"If I can complete the trek it will be wonderful to have helped Cancer Research in some way. I'm sure my mum and grandmother would be proud."

Anyone who can offer extra sponsorship should contact Vanessa on 01204 847955.

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