A woman is preparing to set off on a trek along the Inca Trail in Peru to raise money for a cancer charity.

Sally Turner, from Wilmington, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 after a routine mammogram. She had a mastectomy on one side before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but two years later she was forced to have a second mastectomy after another cancer scare.

The 55-year-old said: “It felt like a time bomb waiting to go off.”

Ms Turner is now preparing to trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.

The charity produces booklets and offers support over the phone for cancer patients and their families.

She said: “Breast Cancer Care played a significant role in my recovery.

“I’m approaching five years cancer-free and feel fit and well. I have wanted to walk the Inca Trail since I fist saw pictures of Machu Picchu many years ago. By doing it this way I will truly feel I have achieved something worthwhile.”

So far Ms Turner has raised more than £3,350 but she has set a target of £3,750. She is hoping to gather the last few hundred pounds as the countdown towards the trek at the end of March begins. “Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and hope to reach my fundraising target.”

Steve Grogan, sporting and challenges manager at Breast Cancer Care, said: “We’re so grateful to Sally for taking on this incredible challenge for Breast Cancer Care and wish her the best of luck. The money Sally raises will help us provide care, support and information to help thousands of people to find a way to live with, through and beyond breast cancer. ”

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