A PICKERING woman has trekked more than 40 miles in the Grand Canyon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Sue Richardson was among a group of fundraisers from the UK who travelled to America to take part in the event in September.

She said: “We ranged in age from 24 to 70 and we all had personal experiences with, or had received treatment for that most devastating of diseases, cancer.

“One of our explorers, with his wife accompanying him, had bravely battled through treatment after being given just six months to live over seven years ago.

“Despite continuing treatment and the return of the disease, he was determined to complete the trek.

“His and the others’ stories kept us motivated and reminded us all why we were doing this trek.”

Sue added: “Macmillan Cancer Support is a wonderful organisation which supports those in need at the most desperate and difficult of times.

“Our determination to support their efforts spurred us on through the heat and hard terrain.

“The clear night sky, teaming with stars against the colossal and rugged cliff bathed in moonlight, was a perfect setting for existential reflection.”

Sue added: “Over the six days the team developed a great camaraderie and supported each other physically and emotionally.

“By the end of a wonderful experience we had trekked over 40 miles up and down steep cliffs and rocky pathways. We are delighted to hear that so far we have raised nearly £80,000.

“This is such an important cause that affects so many people, and I want to support the amazing research that they carry out.

“This cause is personally important to me, as I have lost people I know to this disease, and know people currently fighting a battle against cancer.

“I would be so grateful for any donations to my page, however big or small.

“They all add up and every donation helps to make a big difference.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation, should go to justgiving.com/fundraising/sue-richardson12