A BLACKBURN mother-of-two will put her best foot forward to raise funds in memory of a close friend.

Tracy Reed, 33, is in training for The Women's Great Walk of China in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The social policy student at the University of Central Lancashire will complete 154 kilometres of the walk which is the first ever all female trek of the Great Wall.

Tracy, of Feniscowles, last completed a sponsored walk two years ago from Blackpool to Blackburn.

She said: "I only had a couple of days notice that time but I am doing the proper training this time.

"I have raised money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer previously because my friend Michelle Hilton had it.

"When I heard about this I had to take part."

Michelle, who battled the disease for seven years, successfully campaigned through the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for life-enhancing drug Herceptin to be made available on the NHS, but died before she could take it.

Tracy, who lives with husband Kevin, 32, Calvin, 12, and Remy-Mae, eight, is now completing daily 12 mile cycles and walks to improve her fitness before the six day hike at the end of September.

In order to participate she must raise £2,650 by August and has £1,000 in the bag.

She said: "My husband keeps asking who's going to sponsor him to look after the kids while I'm away."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Tracy can contact her on 01254 200890.