WHEN former Bury landlady Elaine Simkin was told she had just three months to live, she told the doctor: "I haven't got time to die!"

And the busy mum, charity campaigner and fitness instructor proved them all right -- she is still fighting fit 20 years later.

She has lived through two major cancer scares and is now boosting her energy levels for a trek across China!

Elaine (51), who used to run the Bull's Head in Greenmount and now lives in Westhoughton, developed lung disease -- believed to have been caused by passive smoking.

She was told the worse case scenario -- she only had three months to live -- but was given a reprieve when specialists later discovered she was suffering from miner's lung, a curable condition where the lining of the lungs hardens.

The 51-year-old, who now lives in Westhoughton, said: "I got it because I was living in the pub breathing in other people's smoke."

In 1994, Elaine's second scare followed abnormal smear tests resulting in a hysterectomy.

Now, Elaine, whose father died from cancer in 1992, feels that it is time to give something back to Cancer Research.

She will be travelling to China next May to walk the Great Wall and see the nature reserve of Yunmeng Shan Forest Park before travelling to Beijing -- on foot.

She aims to walk more than four hours a day with her travel companion, 38-year-old Alison Merrick, from Daisy Hill.

Along with travel companion Alison Merrick (38), from Daisy Hill, Westhoughton, Elaine is Both women are now hoping to raise £5,000.

She said: "I figure cancer is going to get me in the end, so I want to find a cure for it as soon as possible!"

Elaine is also busy running a special fitness class after shedding two stones nine years ago in her fight to stay healthy.

And on top of all this, she is also an active member of Heritage Productions, performing traditional music hall style entertainment for the town's pensioners.

The Cancer Research Campaign spends £8 million in the North West on scientists researching cures into cancer.

A CRC spokesman said: "As the Cancer Research Campaign receives no government funding, it relies entirely on the generosity of the general public and people like Elaine."

Firms and individuals who can sponsor Elaine and Alison should call 01942 810762. (Pic ref: J2348/9)