A youth worker will trek across the Sahara Desert next month in memory of her late mother.

Laura Burgess, 27, of Wisbech, is part of a group of 50 people who will take part in the week-long challenge.

She is raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, who supported her mother in her final weeks before she lost her life to leukaemia three and a half years ago.

Laura is already well on her way to her ambitious £3,000 fundraising target.

She has held various events, including a party at Mendis, various cake sales and a disco at the Hare and Hounds, raising more than £2,500.

She said: “Marie Curie are truly incredible and that is why I am raising money for such a worthy charity.

“Unfortunately I know this through my own personal experience and thus it is a charity that is very dear to my heart.

“My mum had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for two and a half years and underwent endless amounts of chemotherapy and treatment.

“Sadly the illness took over her life and her body. From the day we found out about the illness to the day she left us she remained passionate about her wishes to end her life in the comfort of her own home.

“Marie Curie were truly amazing, they offered me a shoulder to cry on, someone who understood, someone to trust and not judge and someone I knew could help mum as well as, if not better than me.

“They not only helped Mum, but me also as well as my family. Their kindness, patience, thoughtfulness and high quality care made what was the worst time ever a little more bearable.

“I am eternally grateful for Marie Curie’s support and this trek is my way of saying thank you.

“Not only that but to raise awareness and funds for Marie Curie in order to let other patients and their families have this support and help at such a very difficult and awful time in their lives.”

For more information about Laura’s challenge and/or to donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/Laura-Burgess4