A woman who was treated for a rare brain stem cavernoma is continuing to fundraise for the charity that has supported her through the illness.

Sandra Liddell, from Henstead, is determined to raise awareness for the Cavernoma Alliance after being diagnosed last year and experiencing a battle to obtain a diagnosis.

As part of her road to recovery Mrs Liddell began a fundraising venture, but just days later the cyst started to bleed and she had emergency surgery at a London Hospital to remove it.

Despite the operation being successful she is still expecting the return to full health to be a long process, with her facial muscles and balance still affected.

Mrs Liddell is organising a medium evening at Livingstones pub in Kessingland, on Friday, June 24, while her husband Stuart is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge with 13 other friends, family and colleagues in aid of the charity.

She said: 'I started fundraising last July when I gave up drink and chocolate and I raised £500 and my daughter did a Christmas fair, which raised £1,500.

'I just want to put my whole heart into putting something back. My life is a whole different ball game now. I have started rehab and facial physio, which was a huge shock. It has been six months since the operation as my visualisation still isn't right so I don't drive at the moment. I have to admit it has been tough. When I first started I couldn't bring the fork to my mouth to eat as I was so tired.

'It's quite a reality check. I'm still keeping a really positive attitude and I'm working really hard to make a full recovery.

'I'm getting somewhere towards where I'd like to be, they can't tell me I'm going to be completely ok, it's just a matter of time.'

Mr Liddell said he decided to do something memorable when he reached his 60th birthday and he liked the idea of the Three Peaks Challenge, which takes place on June 18 and 19.

He said: 'Everything was put on the back burner when Sandra was taken into hospital. But it became obvious that in order to repay the help and encouragement the Cavernoma Alliance charity had given Sandra I could raise money for them while doing the Three Peaks.

'We all are in training as individuals, and all have our own schedules of training to keep to. I joined the local gym and go three times a week, plus doing some walking locally.

'I have no illusions that it will be easy, but have the determination to try.'

To book tickets for the medium evening, which starts at 7.30pm, call Amy on 07931099691 or Sandra on 07711919520 or pop into Livingstones. They are £8 in advance or £10 on the night. To sponsor Mr Liddell visit www.justgiving.com/GreenvaleThreePeaks