A breast cancer survivor is preparing to climb one of the highest mountains in Europe.

Mother-of-two Sharon Botting, from Cuckfield, will attempt to climb the 3,203m Kitzsteinhorn in Salzburg, Austria, despite having never climbed more than a few hundred feet before.

The former Police Community Support Officer will be undertaking the gruelling challenge in August during the two-month period when the glacial mountain is open to climbers.

Kitzsteinhorn is a difficult challenge, even for experienced climbers, with the last 200m requiring the use of ropes.

Mrs Botting, 56, said: “I’ve always loved the Austrian Alps since we used to have winter holidays there – but I never climbed a mountain. I always used the ski lift or cable car.

“Kitzsteinhorn is a breathtaking mountain and I decided to do something spectacular for Macmillan Cancer Support by climbing it, raising £1 for every metre of its height.”

Mrs Botting was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and began treatment with surgery followed by six cycles of chemotherapy and four weeks of radiotherapy.

As well as being an active supporter and champion of Macmillan, Mrs Bottling has set up a Cancerhugs Facebook page, where people can post inspiring messages and photos.

Mrs Botting and husband Graham will begin their ascent of Kitzsteinhorn, more than twice as tall as Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, on August 14.

For more information and to sponsor Mrs Botting, visit https://www.justgiving.com/feelgoodandfundraise.

To view her Cancerhugs Facebook page, visit www.facebook.com /cancer hugs.me.