A ROCK climbing enthusiast is set for one of his toughest ever challenges to help an East Lancashire teacher who is battling terminal cancer.

Andrew Smalley, 32, will carry out a 24-hour endurance rock climb at Malham Cove, Yorkshire, to raise £10,000 to pay for state-of-the-art treatment for his friend Kathy Morris.

Kathy, from Hapton, who married her partner Carl in February after doctors told her she had months to live, has recently had an operation to fit rods in her spine as the cancer has spread.

Now in a last-ditch attempt to beat the disease, she is trying alternative therapies and has drastically changed her diet.

And Andrew is aiming to raise money to send her to the Gerson Health Centre, just outside Budapest, in Hungary, which specialises in Gerson Therapy.

This is a natural treatment which boosts the body's immune system through fresh organic, juices which provide enzymes, minerals and nutrients to break down diseased tissue.

Andrew said: "Time is of the essence now. She is very weak but is fighting the cancer.

“She wants to try something different now. There are only two clinics in the world which offer this kind of therapy.

"I want to do something which mirrors what cancer sufferers go through. “I'm only doing it for 24 hours, but they face a huge feat of endurance every day with their condition."

Andrew, who is operation manager at BikeRight! cycle training company, will climb the limestone crag non-stop using a repeated series of routes ranging in difficulty.

He will be assisted by a small team who will make sure the rope is secure as he ascends the rock face on May 5.

Andrew, who went to Habergham High School with Kathy now lives in Todmorden.

He added: "I once did a 12 hour endurance mountain bike event but this will be double that.

“It's going to be tough but will be worth it if it helps Kathy as she is a wonderful special person."

To sponsor Andrew, visit www.climbforkathy.org.uk