A WOMAN who underwent a double lung transplant three years ago is preparing to abseil down the Tyne Bridge to raise money for research.

Lesley Earnshaw, 53, has been joined by friends in fundraising efforts for research into transplant rejection at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

She has already raised £150 for the abseil, which will be her first solo fundraising effort on Sunday, July 21.

Mrs Earnshaw, of Maxwell Close, Darlington, said: "They do this abseil every year, and this year I got to hear about it in plenty of time, so I thought I would like to give it a go."

It will also be the first time she has done any such sporting activity.

Explaining the value of the research, she said: "Every patient takes drugs for the rest of their lives to prevent rejection and the more research they can do, the easier it becomes for the patient."

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Mrs Earnshaw can call (01325) 261572.