A woman with incurable cancer is preparing for a ten-day trek in the Himalayas to raise thousands of pounds for a Leeds-based cancer treatment and research centre.

Grace Bellerby, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, will head to the mountains of Nepal in April to raise money for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre.

Miss Bellerby, 34, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, when she was just 25. She fought back against the illness, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the time.

Unfortunately, she found out last year the disease had returned and spread to her bones. Her cancer is now medically classed as Stage IV, meaning it is incurable.

She said: “Now I have decided to take part in the challenge of a lifetime and help to give something back to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre, which is the fundraising arm of St James' Hospital Institute of Oncology.

“The money raised will help to develop research and treatments to ensure more people survive cancer through prevention, early detection and diagnosis, treatment and aftercare.”

Miss Bellerby says the Leeds centre has been brilliant in treating her.

She is not new to fundraising challenges, having raised hundreds of pounds by completing the 5k Race for Life in Manchester, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

But in preparing for her Nepal trek, she is having to contend to side-effects of her treatment.

Miss Bellerby said: “It’s been more demanding, because with my treatment I’m left quite tired. I’m still working full time, work have been really, really good, really understanding.

She has already raised more than the £3,250 minimum for taking part in the fundraising trek, but donations for the cause are still coming in.

Joining her on the trek will be her friend, Dani Dale, who described her as “the bravest lady I have ever known”, who shows great strength and determination every day.

She said: “Cancer hits everyone, we want to raise as much money and awareness for the amazing Oncology department.”

The Yorkshire Cancer Centre provides specialist medical equipment, research and development and patient ‘home comforts’ to 1,500 patients each day.

To donate, visit the website justgiving.com/Grace-Bellerby.