GAZETTE & HERALD: JENNY Carter completed the Marie Curie Ladies' Driving Challenge last week for her mum, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Mrs Carter, 49, of St Paul's Street, Chippenham raised over £650, the second highest amount of sponsorship for a single person completing the challenge, and is delighted it is going to cancer research.

Her mother Phyllis Millard, 76, of Clift House, Chippenham, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just six weeks ago. She had her ovaries removed a week later, before doctors found cancer cells in the lining of her stomach. She is due to start an 18-week course of chemotherapy today.

"I was going to do the challenge anyway because my sister-in law did it last year," Mrs Carter said. "But then mum was told she had cancer so that made me more determined to do it.

"I did it for her rather than me.

"Everybody I spoke to on the day had either lost someone or has known someone with cancer. It makes you stronger when you're surrounded by people in the same position as you, on a day like that."

Mrs Carter, who has helped her husband run Pet Care in St Paul's Street in Chippenham for the past 33 years, said: "The challenge has kept me going over the past six weeks, otherwise I'd be sitting at home worrying about mum. I've been trying to do as much as I can to keep my mind off it."

Up until now Mrs Millard has been really fit. She cleaned for the Salvation Army for many years and was part of the Cameo Club there, right up until she went into hospital.

"The Cameo Club has been really good," Mrs Carter said. "They ring her up every single day to see if she wants a lift to the club.

"Everyone who knows her has been so kind. People have sent flowers and cards.

"We are all hoping this chemo is going to work and she's going to get better. She loves her gardening and she gets food shopping for her elderly neighbours. We hope she can carry on with these things when she's better."

Mrs Carter added: "I'll definitely do the challenge next year, with more people.

"I'd like to thank everybody. My customers at Pet Care and my friends have been very good to me."