She’s already faced Lord Sugar’s boardroom outbursts and has had her business acumen scrutinised by millions of viewers as a candidate on The Apprentice TV show.

Now Shipley businesswoman Ellie Reed, 34, pictured, is set to use her entrepreneurial skills in a fashion challenge to raise thousands of pounds for a charity close to her heart.

She will be among a team of volunteers led by staff from Bradford-based Approach PR who will take over the Marie Curie Cancer Care shop in Darley Street as part of Bradford Chamber’s Be Involved “Be Boutique” charity challenge.

The businesswoman, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer aged 29 and had to have a hysterectomy to remove the tumour, said she was joining the effort to help raise funds for hospice in Leeds Road, Bradford.

She said: “I’ve had cancer, my two grandmas have died of cancer and my husband’s dad, Tony Reed, was in Marie Curie cancer unit in Bradford. The staff were fantastic.”

During the charity challenge, Ellie will be up against The Apprentice 2008 runner-up Claire Young.

They will put their creative skills to the test when they compete to produce the most attractive fashion mannequins in the charity shop window. Members of the public are also invited to Beat the Apprentice in the contest at noon tomorrow.