A WOMAN approaching her 40th birthday is set to take on fundraising challenge to mark the occasion.

Rachel Halstead, from Accrington, will take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday August 12, walking across Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-Y-Ghent, and aims to complete the 24-mile route with 5,200ft of ascent in under 12 hours.

She will follow this up with her first half-marathon in Bolton in September.

Mum of two Rachel, who is a primary school teaching assistant, has chosen her 40th birthday to fundraise for a charity called Charlotte’s BAG (Battle Against Glioblastoma).

Rachel says: “Turning 40 is a huge privilege which was sadly denied to Charlotte Eades. She was a beautiful, brave young lady who sadly passed away aged just 19 from glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

“Although I never even met Charlotte, I was deeply touched by her story."

You can support Rachel's efforts at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-halstead.