A MARCH mum who lost her son to cystic fibrosis will take part in an epic 65km charity trek next month.

Sue Ward, 59, and her athletic friends, known as the Mad March Hares, are about to embark on the Great Strides 65 walk, a team endurance challenge from Shere, near Guildford, to Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, via the North Downs Way, Downs Link and Coastal Link paths.

The team are walking in memory of Sue’s son Mikey who died of cystic fibrosis aged 25 in August 2010.

Money raised by the challenge will enable the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to invest in research to develop better treatments and, ultimately find a cure.

Sue, who is a manager for Hallmark Care Homes, said: “My son Mikey lost his battle with cystic fibrosis in 2010. He was waiting for a lung transplant which was his only hope to save his life but he didn’t get one in time.

“I ran a marathon last year to raise money for Papworth Hospital where Mikey spent so much of his life, and this year I wanted to do something different to raise money for new treatments.

“My friends at the March Athletic Club are joining me – 65 kilometres is a long way but we are determined to complete it”.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition – only half of sufferers live to celebrate their 40th birthday.

It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs.

The walk takes place on May 18. You can sponsor the team at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/march4ward