A CROWTHORNE shopkeeper in the midst of a battle with cancer is set to walk a marathon for research funds.

In September 2016 Pandy Dean, who runs Wonkey Donkey interior design shop, went to see her doctor for period pains and was sent for a scan.

Having always been fit and health, walking each morning and teaching Zumba in the evenings, Mrs Dean was shocked to discover she had advanced ovarian cancer.

"It is called the silent killer," the 54 year-old explained.

"I was still running every morning and working in the shop. I had no idea I was ill."

Despite undergoing six hours of surgery and chemotherapy, Mrs Dean's diagnosis was terminal.

"I was diagnosed too late," she continued.

"The surgery took all the cancer away, but unfortunately it will end my life.

"However, I am a true believer in mind over matter.

"The cancer will return and there is not a damn thing I can do about it. It is one of those things, and unfortunately it has happened to me.

"But I will fight it every inch of the way.

"You have to live your life. It is short."

In a bid to live out her remaining time to the fullest, Mrs Dean, along with husband Lee and friends Katy and Karen, will walk the Surrey three peaks - a 26 mile, ten hour route that leads to the top of Holmbury, Leith and Box hills.

The walk takes place on June 24 and all money raised will go to GRACE, a charity that helps women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers.

To support Mrs Dean, go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/pandydean1