LOVE and support from her "wonderful husband" inspired a Dales woman to run 108 miles with just 15 minutes' sleep.

Tracey Barker, 51, was inspired to embark on several endurance challenges after Richard, a biochemist, was diagnosed with skin cancer four years ago.

Retired office manager Tracey, of Ingleton, has so far raised £470 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, to say thank you for the treatment her husband has received at Preston's Rosemere Cancer Centre.

Her most impressive feat was the Spine Flare Race, a 108-mile run along the Pennine Way from Edale to Hardraw. Tracey finished in 44 hours 46 minutes in grim weather, covering 17,000 feet of ascent and finishing sixth out of 14 female competitors.

“Last year I finished in 56 hours but I took more rest," said Tracey. "This time, I bivvied in the heather for just 15 minutes. It wasn’t that comfortable but it did the trick."

She added: "After a humid start, the wind and rain at Pen-y-ghent and on the Cam Road was biblical so it was a relief to finish.”

Tracey has also completed the Tour of Cambridgeshire 100-mile cycle ride; the one-mile open water Great North Swim on Windermere; the Outlaw Triathlon in Nottingham; and the 83-mile Dalesway Run.

She now has one challenge left to tick off, swimming the 5.25 mile length of Coniston Water on Sunday, August 31.

“My motivation is my biochemist husband Richard. He was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2015. Treatment at Rosemere Cancer Centre means he now just sees his consultant every six months.

“Until 10 years ago my sporting activities had been equestrian-based and I had never been on a competitive run but Richard was into orienteering and he got me to give it a go, which led to me taking up running.

"Without the love and support of my wonderful husband, I couldn’t have done any of it.”

Tracey hopes her lake swim will help her reach her £500 target for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, which works to bring world-class cancer treatments to patients from throughout south Cumbria and Lancashire being treated at Preston's Rosemere Cancer Centre.

If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tracey-barker8