CANCER survivor Codilia Gapare is taking on major new challenges in a bid to support St Luke’s Hospice.

Codilia, 39, from Northwich, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2014, and completed her treatment in April 2015.

Since her treatment she has taken part in numerous events in aid of charity, including the Race for Life and Tough Mudder, and climbed Ben Nevis.

She is now planning to support St Luke’s by taking on challenges she has never attempted – swimming and cycling.

Codilia has her sights set on the Deva Divas triathlon at Chester on July 16, and is hoping to raise £750.

“My husband Mike bought me swimming lessons for Christmas last year,” she said.

“I went into work and told a friend, who suggested I sign up for a triathlon she was taking part in.

“This was a good idea in theory, but for one small problem - I could neither swim nor cycle.

“I have never been the kind of girl to say no to a challenge.

“I have a tattoo on my right wrist that says ‘semper sursum, semper fortis’, which means aim for the stars/ever aiming high, ever courageous - so I signed up.

“I am currently doing my swimming and cycling lessons. I am scared senseless and know I am more than a little mad, but this much I know - on Sunday, July 16 I will cross that finish line.

“I would like to raise as much money to help Cheshire St Luke’s Hospice to continue doing the amazing work they do.

“I have started a blog (C-Life – A Life Less Ordinary) c-life.co.uk and you can find my story and journey in pictures on there.

“The purpose of the C-Life is to help people going through cancer to realise there is life after cancer by telling stories of cancer heroes.

“These are people who have been touched by cancer in one way or the other who have gone on to do amazing things with their lives.”

Anyone who would like to support Codilia’s triathlon challenge can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Codygc-life, or text CODG77 and the amount (£) to 70070.