A Queenborough mum is getting ready to begin a 75-mile trek across Costa Rica to raise money for charity.

Susan Stock, 56, will be taking to the hills and dense rainforests next month for the 12-day walking challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity has supported people living with cancer and their families for more than 100 years, including Susan’s husband David who had throat cancer but received the all-clear about five years ago.

Susan, who owns runs her own furnishings design company, said: “In 2007, I did a 10-day walk along the Great Wall of China from which I raised more than £6,000 for Macmillian.

“This year, I decided to do another challenge – a 12-day hike across Costa Rica. This entails a very tough course designed to test participants to their limit.

“The majority of the trek is through dense rainforest in wet, slippery and, sometimes, very humid conditions.

“We have also been made aware that conditions can deteriorate from level three, tough, to level four, intense.”

The mother-of-one will fly into San José on April 1 before starting the trek the following day with 16 others.

“I chose Macmillan because it’s a good charity and my husband David has had cancer. I am sure most people are aware of the incredible work they do and so many have had the benefit of the help, care and consideration given by their nurses when needed most." - Susan Stock

They will start from the Pacific coast, near Quepos, before trekking across the country and ending up on the Caribbean coast, near Rio Pacuare.

Susan said: “I will be walking about 60 hours in total, approximately 120 kilometres.

“Some days we will walking through coffee plantations and other days through dense rainforests, which will be quite treacherous.

“I’m a bit paranoid about the leeches but I am looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing different cultures.”

To do the challenge, Susan has to raise a minimum of £3,750 for Macmillan. She has currently raised around £2,000.

She added: “I chose Macmillan because it’s a good charity and my husband David has had cancer. I am sure most people are aware of the incredible work they do and so many have had the benefit of the help, care and consideration given by their nurses when needed most.”

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