A TEESDALE cancer sufferer's plight has inspired family and friends to organise a major fundraising event.

Sue Glendinning was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last November and is due to start a course of radiotherapy as part of her treatment next week.

However, she plans to join fellow fundraisers for a sponsored walk from The Hub, Barnard Castle to Lartington, Cotherstone and back to the town following the Tees.

The walk – which will also include a shorter route – will take place on Saturday, April 27, and about 100 people have already signed up.

A target of £2,000 has been set and all money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Sue, 48, of The Bank, Barnard Castle, said the idea came from her son Joe, 29, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

“He put up on Facebook that he was going to do something for his mum and it has just gone from there,” she said.

A small team of friends and supporters have helped organise the walk along with a charity night at the Jersey Farm Hotel which will take place on the evening of April 27.

Sue discovered she had thyroid cancer after going to see her doctor complaining of a bad back.

“He was feeling round my neck and asked if I realised I had a lump. I did – I had had it for a while but never thought anything of it and ignored it,” she said.

However, hospital tests showed it was cancer and Sue started treatment at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Next week, she will start radiotherapy at the James Cook University Hospital and admits she is a little apprehensive.

But she is determined to take part in the walk, alongside partner Lloyd, Joe, daughter Donna and other son Lee.

“I don't care how far I get, I am going to try my hardest,” she said.

“Macmillan have been very good to me and they are there whenever you need them.”

Details of the sponsored walk are online at www.justgiving.com/BarneyWalk Anyone wishing to help can also donate by phone, texting BCWK99 followed by an amount to 70070 (for example 'BCWK99 £5' for £5).

Sponsor forms for anyone wishing to take part in the walk are available from Shirl's Shakes, The Bank, Barnard Castle; the Jersey Farm Hotel and The Hub, Barnard Castle.