A FRIEND’S cancer diagnosis has inspired an outdoor enthusiast to ski the equivalent of Mount Everest.

Charlie Birchall, of Ingleton, hopes to raise £8,848 for CancerCare - £1 for every metre of the Himalayan peak.

The charity has become to close to Charlie’s heart after one of her closest friends found out she had breast cancer earlier this year.

“It was a huge shock for us all,” said Charlie, 32. “She is the same age as me, really physically fit and recently became a mother. It just hit home that this can literally affect anyone at any time without warning.”

Next February, Charlie will undertake the epic Everest in the Alps Challenge, a gruelling four-day ski touring event which will see her climb 8,848 metres - the height of Everest.

“It’s totally different to any other sports challenge I’ve ever done. I am combining the cardio and fitness training with a lot of endurance and strength work as I‘ll be carrying a serious amount of kit in the Alps. I am also having to think a lot about my diet too as during the event I’ll be burning up to 10,000 calories each day.”

The challenge takes place in and around the Swiss resort of Verbier. Each day participants ascend between 2,000 and 2,500 metres and spend around 11 hours out on the snow.

An experienced outdoor sportswoman, Charlie competes in ultra-marathons of up to 60km. But she says she is under no illusion as to how arduous this will be.

Accompanied by her partner Matthew Howson and her faithful spaniels Arthur and Henry, she has begun an intensive fitness regime.

“I am really excited about the challenge,” she said.

“I am a bit nervous about how extreme it is but I wanted to do something for CancerCare as my friend is using the services at the charity and I thought it would be good way of raising money and awareness of the fantastic work they do in the local community.”

CancerCare’s head of fundraising Emma Athersmith thanked Charlie and described her forthcoming adventure as “awe-inspiring”.

To donate, see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlie-birchall1

For more about the services and therapy CancerCare offers, visit www.cancercare.org.uk