An Ely woman is to embark on a gruelling fundraising challenge next month in aid of her disabled sister.

Janine Collier will travel to Scotland on September 24 to take on the Loch Ness Marathon and hopes to raise £2,595 so a new mobile hoist can be bought for her sister, Sue Betteridge.

Sue was diagnosed with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) around 20 years ago and in recent years the severity of her condition has increased.

But Janine hopes her charity run can help towards giving her sister a new lease of life.

Janine said: “Unfortunately for Sue and her two children, her symptoms and the severity of her symptoms progressed rapidly.

“Very early on, she lost the ability to talk or transfer. She lost bowel and bladder function and is now unable to speak, finds swallowing difficult and requires 24/7 care.

“My parents, who are now in their 60s and 70s, have looked after Sue and her children for the last 15 years. I hope the hoist will dramatically improve the quality of life for her and my parents. Who knows, maybe she could even take a mini break with her children – she hasn’t been on holiday for over 15 years!”

Janine has had to triumph over adversity herself in recent years – in 2012 she was told she would never run again after a serious mountain bike accident.

But, five years later, she is healthy and can’t wait to tackle the charity challenge.

“Over the last 18 months, with support, I have worked hard to get a place where I hope to be able to complete the marathon,” she said.

“The training is tough, my original injuries and surgeries mean that my body doesn’t quite work in the way it might, but every step I take I am grateful that it is a step I can take.”

The Loch Ness Marathon follows a point-to-point route alongside world famous Loch Ness, starting in a moorland setting and continues through the Highlands, along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, and finishes in Inverness.

Janine is currently half-way to achieving her fundraising goal, with £1,300 donated so far.

To donate, or for more information, click here.