A DALGETY Bay woman is taking on a mammoth challenge to raise £50,000 in support of her friend who has survived breast cancer.

Carol Sparling-Gordon is part of a team of six who are doing their own twist on the three peak challenge by cycling over 400 miles in between the UK's tallest mountains.

It's thought the unique trial is a first and was organised by her friend, Sarah Du Cane Wilkinson, who wants to prevent other women from going through what she's faced.

Ahead of the team setting off last week, Carol, 42, a technical director of a marine research consultancy, told the Press: "It will take us six days and when we get back we'll also be putting on a charity ball in Dollar on Saturday (August 5) – so we'll be shattered!

"We started planning this all about a year ago when Sarah had just got the all clear. She doesn't do anything half hearted so she decided to do something really big to raise as much money as possible.

"I thought it seemed far into the future but it's already here! It's a bit scary but we're looking forward to it and we've planned events into our training so we're feeling fit."

The team - Sarah and Piers Du Cane Wilkinson, Helen Haynes, Paul Nelson, Simon Farley-Smith and Carol - have already raised just under half of their target of £50,000 for charity, Breast Cancer Now.

Carol added: "What will get me through the challenge is thinking about what Sarah went through, how lucky she is to survive and how lucky we are to do this experience.

"I will also think about all the people who have supported us and how breast cancer has affected them.

"Sarah only just got married two weeks ago so this is effectively her and husband Piers' honeymoon! She also asked all her wedding guests to donate to Breast Cancer Now instead of giving gifts.

"We've never heard of anyone doing this challenge before. There's been a group that have climbed the peaks and sailed in between, but never cycled!"

The team will be holding a charity ball called 'The Pink Party' in Dollar on Saturday with a night of food, drink, live music and a charity auction. For tickets call 07840762575 or email summerpinkparty@outlook.com.

Carol's fitness instructor, Natalie from MIY Fitness in Dalgety Bay, will be giving away free personal training sessions via a raffle to anyone who donates to the team's challenge.

You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/carolsparling