SUPERMUM Jackie Carter is set to conquer the pain barrier and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime charity walk.

The 39-year-old has undergone 10 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans since November 1994. Jackie, of Prospect Avenue, Darwen, has had two major operations to remove benign tumours from her brain. And she is well on the road to recovery although she will have to have regular tests and more MRI scans before she is given the all-clear.

She has decided to tackle the Motorway Superwalk '97 which will raise piles of cash for the SuperScan appeal. The bid to buy a life-saving MRI scanner for East Lancashire people is a cause close to Jackie's heart.

Her sons, Adam, 11 and nine-year-old Gareth and her friend's daughter Marie Reed will join her on the trek.

Jackie, who works in the admissions department of Blackburn Infirmary, said: "I had a CT scan at Blackburn, but had to travel to Preston for MRI scans.

"I have had about 10 altogether and hopefully I am on the road to recovery."

MRI scans can detect a range of life-threatening conditions. Doctors believe it is an absolute necessity that there is a machine in East Lancashire.

Jackie will be among thousands of walkers joining the fund-raising extravaganza on August 31 in a walk along the new seven-mile stretch of the M65. Now organisers want YOU to follow Jackie's example and take part.

To enter call the hotline on 01254 293257 or 01254 294754 after 5pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.