FUNDRAISING mum Louise Smith has a spring in her step for this weekend’s Eiffel Tower challenge after passing the £5,500 mark for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Louise, 42, from Davenham, underwent a total of 25 hours of surgery in January after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She is recovering at home, and wanted to do something to thank the charity for its support.

She plans to raise money by climbing the 704 steps to the second level of the Eiffel Tower on Saturday morning, before walking back down.

Louise has been building her strength up in readiness for the challenge, which she is undertaking with her husband Mike and daughter Amelie.

She was hoping to raise £200 for the charity, but donations have poured in since her story appeared in the Guardian and on social media, and the current total stands at an amazing £5,507.

This includes £710 raised by Eurocamp at Gadbrook Park, where Louise works, and £139 from Davenham Primary School, where Amelie is a pupil.

“I am absolutely blown away by the total which has been raised,” said Louise.

“I am feeling much stronger now, and am ready to go for it on Saturday.

“We are planning to walk up the tower first thing when I will feel more wide awake.”

Eurocamp supported Louise’s challenge by having a Guess the Employee photo competition for staff, which raised £355, and was matched by the company.

Parents in Amelie’s class brought in food, wine and chocolates on a French theme for a hamper to be raffled to support Louise.

In the event the mountain of items filled two hampers, and Amelie and a friend sold raffle tickets.

“I want to say thanks a million to all the parents in Amelie's class who filled two hampers full of goodies, the friends who helped Amelie on the day, and everyone who bought raffle tickets,” said Louise.

She also thanked Eurocamp for its donation, with the company describing her as “a true inspiration to everyone.”

Louise is raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity through her Just Giving page - justgiving.com/fundraising/lou-smith5