The Deputy Chief Nurse and Head of Patient Safety at NHS Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Martine Tune is gearing up for sponsored 100km trek across the Sahara desert in a bid to raise £10k for a cancer charity.

Martine Tune was inspired to take on the challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support after losing her 86 year old mother to lung cancer in 2013.

Martine, who joined the CCG in August, is preparing to carry out the expedition between October 30 and November 8.

After landing in Quarzazate, Morocco, she will head off across the dunes of the Sahara in a convoy of camels and other adventurers.

She said: “Our lives have been touched by cancer. I’ve lost my mum, my sister-in-law and my best friend to it. It changes your life completely.

“I wanted to help other people by doing something for them; we’ve done lots of things to raise money like cake sales and bag packing so the trek is just another one of those things.

“I hope my trek across the Sahara inspires others to achieve similar feats, whilst raising money for great charities like Macmillan at the same time – one person can make a difference and everyone should try.”

So far around £4,500 has been raised of the £10,000 target.

Martine said her husband Nigel, children Matthew (18) and Lucy (16) had been ‘hands on’ with her many fundraising activities and physical training  for the expedition.

To sponsor her, visit www.justgiving.com/Martine-Tune