Now several years later and with the 50 rapidly approaching, Rosemere Cancer Foundation's Chief Fundraising Officer Sue Thompson has donned lycra and helmet and is starting the long road to peak fitness for what will be the challenge of her life.

Mrs Thompson has teamed up with the Rock FM charity Cash for Kids manager Emma Bailie, and the pair have put any fundraising rivalry to one side, commiting to do a hair raising trek, cycle and white water rapid journey around one of the most hostile and hard to reach environments in the world.

Sue, who's sister-in-law died of cancer in April, said this was another motivation for her to take up the 10 day Borneo Challenge which will take place in April 2009.

She said: "My sister-in-law always said you have got to do everything when you have got the chance. Also I think you have got to do something like this in order to convince other people.

Miss Bailie, who ran the London Marathon this year for Cash for Kids, said: "I think it is really impressive that you have got two charities that are not competing with each other but are working together."

Using the 'lead by example' approach both women hope to encourage 22 other individuals to take part in the bespoke challenge which includes trekking up South Asia's highest mountain, the 4095 metre Mount Kinabalu, cycling across the Crocker Range in up to 90% humidity then white water rafting down the "mighty Padas" river.

Sue Thompson, who will be 49 by next April, said the reason for having a small team was to offer a high level of support to expedition members.

She said: "We are not hugely big charities with huge staff so we will be able to support people in their training, organising a trip to the Lakes and putting on social activities."

With just nine months to go and a minimum of £2500 sponsorship to raise, the pair are calling for adventourus spirits to sign up to the challenge of a lifetime.

Cash for Kids, which has been running since 1989, is a grant based charity which allocates money for improving facilities and buying new equipment for disabled or disadvantaged children.

The Rosemere Cancer Foundation, running since 1997, works alongside the Preston Cancer Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital providing additional care services, equipment and support to patients who use the centre and their families.
Any money raised will be split 50-50 between both charities.

For more information call Sue on 01772 522913 or Emma on 01772 477834.

>> Vote in our latest web poll