Laura Johnson trekking to Machu Picchu for Pancreatic Cancer Action

On September 4th Laura Johnson of Leeds will take up the challenge of trekking to Machu Picchu for Pancreatic Cancer Action.

Laura hopes to raise over £3950.00 by completing the trek. Laura said: "I decided to take part in this challenge for Pancreatic Cancer Action because in 2011 my niece, Lydia, was diagnosed with Pancreoblastoma stage 4, a rare form of cancer that affects just one child every two years in the UK. She began chemotherapy but just 3 months later we were told that the tumours in her pancreas and liver had not shrunk enough for surgery to be an option. Against all odds, she is still very much with us and is doing well having had both successful surgery on her pancreas and a liver transplant from her mum."

Laura is focusing on her training, hitting the gym hard, completing some 10k runs as well as walking 10 miles after work every Thursday. Laura said "When I signed up over a year ago it didn't feel real, but now as my training is increasing and I have bought my boots, it suddenly feels very real! It will be a really tough trek, including four days of trekking between 5 and 9 hours a day. There is also the issue of altitude, and the highest point will be 4440 metres above sea level! This is the first time I've ever attempted anything like this so I'm anticipating that it will be quite a challenge. It will be great to know that I will be raising funds to improve early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and make people aware of this grim disease that is remarkably underfunded in terms of research."

Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer.

Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: "We are delighted that Laura is giving her time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Laura to help us continue our vital work. Please back Laura in their fundraising efforts so that we can continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer."

To sponsor Laura please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/LauraJohnson684.