A CANCER survivor took on a challenging hike in memory of a friend who lost her own battle with the disease.

Julie North, a former Hereford Times journalist, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma – a horribly aggressive form of cancer – several years ago.

While undergoing the treatment that would prove successful, the mum-of-two met Anna Morgan from Sutton St Nicholas.

Anna sadly died from breast cancer aged 41 but, according to Mrs North, Macmillan helped her hugely.

So "in her spirit and memory", Mrs North set out on the 14 miles of Welsh coastline which made up the Macmillan Gowerthon.

"Macmillan is an amazing charity that has helped many people in different ways who are suffering with or have suffered with cancer,"said Mrs North, who now runs a B&B in Hay-on-Wye.

"And I’ve been amazed at people’s generosity. My target of £750 was smashed within 48 hours and more than £1,000 in sponsorship has now been pledged."

To help, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Julie-North7