An auntie whose niece suffered leukaemia twice as a young girl is leading a team on a MAD 12-day challenge. 

Camilla Laing, from Ribchester, is on day five of her MAD (Make A Difference) 12-day challenge, which will see the team of five hike, cycle and canoe from the Lake District to the Severn Estuary.

Camilla was inspired by the cancer care she witnessed for her niece which is why Noah’s Ark is the chosen charity for the MAD challenge.

Spearheaded by Camilla, the team includes serving Royal Engineer Geraint Fisher, Royal Veterinary Corp Graham Barlow, veterinary nurse Sarah Peak, and single mum and psychology teacher Carrie Downes.

Lancashire Telegraph: The MAD challenge teamThe MAD challenge team (Image: Camilla Laing)

The team are on day five today (September 7), and have so far completed Skiddaw, Scarfell Pike, and Helvellyn.

Speaking about the team’s adventure so far, Camilla said: “On the second day we rescued an injured hiker and panicked lost child, had to administer first aid and call our Wasdale mountain rescue.

“We’ve done 10 hours of hiking but bagged two in one day. The reception is a bit spotty but the weather is being kind to us at least!

“We always keep marching forward. That’s what we’re doing and we know every step we take will be raising money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.”

Last week, a clay pigeon shoot event and charity auction, organised by the team, took place and raised more than £6,000 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.

Camilla said it was a “fantastic fundraising day” which saw 12 teams competing against each other at clay pigeon shooting to support the MAD challenge.

The team are embarking on the second leg of the 12-day challenge today as they head off from Kendal on a 200 mile trip cycling to Glasbury Herefordshire.

They will complete 50 miles a day over four days before completing the third and final leg of the MAD challenge which is canoeing.

To support the cause and donate, visit the JustGiving crowdfunding page here.