A MUM from the district is set to tackle a gruelling 66-mile run around the Isle of Wight in memory of a "wonderful" friend she lost to breast cancer.

Nicola Anderson, of Stone Street, Haworth, has been training since January to prepare for the challenge, labelled one of the toughest Ultra run events in the UK.

She is looking to complete the run, which will take place two days after her 30th birthday, in honour of her friend Anna, who lost her battle with cancer in December.

Miss Anderson's daughter is friends with Anna's two children, aged seven and nine, and it was they who suggested she raise money for The Lavender Trust, a charity that specifically supports younger women with breast cancer.

"Anna had to fight against her body every day for two years so that she could see her children" she said.

"She didn't get to watch the Christmas play, put her children to bed on Christmas Eve, or see them on Christmas morning.

"I want to show Anna's children that even though their mum isn't here, she was a wonderful lady, and her spirit can help other families and other women, and this is the only way I know how to do that."

It will take between nine and 15 hours to complete the circular course, which starts and ends in West Cowes, but Miss Anderson said she "owes" it to her friend to get over the finish line.

After attempting to commit suicide and being involved in a serious car crash last year, she said was determined to complete the challenge in honour of all mothers living with breast cancer.

"My body is completely healthy, and yet I spent the year doing the opposite to Anna," she said.

"A huge part of me feels like, as I do still have a working heart, lungs, and set of limbs, I owe it to the Mums with breast cancer to make sure that they see next Christmas with their children.

"I have overcome so many negative thoughts in 2014, so 2015 is about finding out why I am still here, and to make that time count."

Miss Anderson said she is training "incredibly hard" for the event on May 2, and admitted she would be "heartbroken" if she couldn't raise the £500 sponsorship target for Breast Cancer Care needed to compete.

"I have run in snow up to my calf muscles, I have run in driving hail, and I have run when my legs were so tired that I was actually screaming to keep myself going," she said.

"I have been up hills so steep that I am kissing the tarmac as I run.

"I have wheezed, been sick, yelled, hobbled, and bled.

"I know this run may not be personal to anyone out there, but one day it could be."

To sponsor Miss Anderson, visit www.justgiving.com/mootea.