A BRAIN tumour patient and her “two musketeers” are taking on a 12 hour fundraising challenge which will push them to the limit.

Kim McNicol, a mum-of-two from Dedham, is taking on the the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge with her eldest son, Ross, and his girlfriend, Lauren.

Kim’s tumour vestibular schwannoma went undiagnosed for two years and was even missed on an MRI scan before finally being discovered a year ago.

Her symptoms included hearing problems, the inability to walk straight and an uncontrolled shuffling of her feet.

The “three musketeers”, as they call themselves, will now be using the challenge to fundraise for Brain Tumour Research, the charity they have supported throughout Kim’s battle.

They will embark on their journey on June 18, climbing more than 1,600 metres and walking 24.5 miles.

Gazette: Family - Kim McNicol, 57, of Dedham, will be embarking on the challenge with her eldest son, Ross, and his girlfriend, Lauren, of IpswichFamily - Kim McNicol, 57, of Dedham, will be embarking on the challenge with her eldest son, Ross, and his girlfriend, Lauren, of Ipswich

Kim, 57, said: “The Yorkshire Three Peaks may seem like a small thing, but I feel like I need to do it.

“I also want to give myself a bit of a challenge because life is short.

“Your whole attitude to life changes after something like a brain tumour diagnosis.

“I’ve been lucky and I’m still here so I want to do what I can whilst I can.

“I want to live life and, although I do get really tired, I’m feeling positive about the future and excited about my upcoming challenge.”

Kim had a shunt fitted to treat hydrocephalus, then underwent gamma knife surgery to prevent further growth of the tumour and is now being monitored with regular scans.

Although she has suffered hearing loss of about 90 per in her right ear, for which requires the use of hearing aids, Kim is now seeing a strength and conditioning coach twice a week to ensure she is ready to complete the scenic circular walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

She added: “When I don’t go to my coach I try to walk every day and I’m building up my miles.

“Last weekend I walked around Alton Walter in Suffolk, which is eight miles, so I’m on track.”

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

The trio have so far raised more than £6,000. To back them, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/KimMcNicol.