A BARROWFORD woman who survived a life-threatening infection is set to take on a six-mile charity challenge.

Terri Cox, of Prospect Terrace, hopes to walk the course in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The walk will be a big achievement for the 35-year-old, who spent 10 days seriously ill in hospital this year suffering a knee infection after routine surgery.

The infection forced Terri, a keen runner, to undergo two more operations and she is receiving strenuous last-minute physiotherapy to allow her to move normally during Sunday's event.

Terri said: "I ran the event last year and was hoping to run it this year, too. I run a lot to keep fit and like to raise money for charity when I can.

"The doctors seem to think I'm being very optimistic and they have said there's no way I could run, but I just want to walk round, even though it's going to be painful. I promised to raise funds for Cancer Research and I'm determined to do it.

"I just went in to hospital for a routine operation and then not long after the knee became infected.

"I was really ill in hospital and could have died but now I'm getting better slowly and can walk without crutches."

She added: "I've been off work so I haven't been able to get as much sponsorship as I would have liked, but every bit helps because everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer."

Cancer Research UK spokesman, Alan Charnley, said: "Terri has shown great bravery in coming back from this life-threatening condition to raise funds for Cancer Research and we are very grateful."