A CANCER survivor is taking on the challenge of a lifetime trekking the Great Wall of China.

Dace Janney was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just over two years ago and now in remission, she is planning to tackle the wall in aid of Marie Curie.

Dace, 64, who owns Datzi Eye Wear in Rawdon, will take part in the trek in October.

She said: “This trek is going to be completely out of my comfort zone, 12 to 18 mile daily hikes, sleeping in tents and my entire trip’s possessions carried in a ruck sack on my back. This is my way of giving something back, a challenge that is as life changing as cancer but with a promising outcome.”

She has set up a justgiving page, where she describes the shock diagnosis in December 2012.

“There I was, preparing for a winter holiday, when, during a visit to my beautician, a lump in my abdomen was noticed,” she says.

“What followed was a rollercoaster ride, and by early January the operation had taken place and by February my chemotherapy had started. Things could not have moved faster if I had been Kate Middleton.

“Operations and treatment are frightening, and no-one can prepare you for the horror of that first clump of hair that falls out at your feet in the shower. Standing there, helpless, you begin to realise that this is just the beginning of the journey.

“Now, almost two years later, I am at the point where I can breathe a little easier and dare to make long term plans.

“By sheer luck, Marie Curie cancer care is a charity whose services I have not had to call upon, but, statistically, someone close to me, one day, could.”

She added: “Marie Curie does amazing work for amazing people, just like us and every penny counts to them. Please support me and donate what you can, to someone, it might make all the difference.”

Hannah Saxon Community Fundraiser at Marie Curie Cancer Care said: “We are honoured that Dace has chosen to support Marie Curie through this challenge. The money Dace will raise will support the Marie Curie Nurses, allowing them to provide care and emotional support to terminally ill people and their families in the comfort of their own homes, right until the end.”

Dace is looking to raise £4000, this will enable Marie Curie to support over 200 hours of nursing care here in West Yorkshire. She has already raised £800 from a Christmas event and sponsorship and is planning other events throughout the year. Visit justgiving.com/Dace-Janney2014 to support her fund-raising.

For more information about Marie Curie contact Community Fundraiser Hannah Saxon at Hannah.saxon@mariecurie.org.uk or on 01274386190.