‘INSPIRATIONAL’ mum Louise Smith is planning her next Brain Tumour Charity challenge after receiving a certificate to recognise her ‘wonderful’ support for the organisation.

Louise, 42, raised £7,111 in just five weeks for the charity by climbing the Eiffel Tower only two months after undergoing major surgery for a brain tumour.

Louise, from Davenham, wanted to do something to raise money for the charity to thank the organisation for its support for her and her family, and came up with the novel tower challenge.

She set herself the modest target of raising £200, but her story captured the hearts of her friends and our readers, and donations poured in from more than 260 people and organisations inspired by her courage and positivity.

She is now setting her sights on her next challenge for the charity, and hopes to be well enough to take part in a Twilight Walk in October.

Louise climbed 704 steps to the second level of the world-famous Parisian landmark with her husband Mike and nine-year-old daughter Amelie, and received a framed certificate to mark her fundraising achievement.

Kerry Roe-Ely from The Brain Tumour Charity visited Louise at her home yesterday to present her with the certificate and a bouquet.

Also there to share in the occasion were Louise’s proud parents Christine and David.

“It was incredibly moving to finally meet Louise,” said Kerry, the charity’s community fundraiser for the north west and Northern Ireland.

“She is so inspirational, and has such an amazingly upbeat attitude.”

Louise said: “I really appreciate the advice and support Kerry and the charity have given me during the past six months, and I am so happy to be able to give something back in return.

“I'm hoping to be well enough to take part in the Brain Tumour Charity Twilight Walk in October with my family, and will encourage as many friends as possible to join in and help raise money for such an important cause.”

Kerry added: “The £7,111 Louise has raised will help to fund 28 days of research in the causes of and cures for brain tumours.

“Brain tumours are the ninth most common cancer, yet receive less than two per cent of the annual cancer research funding.

“The Brain Tumour Charity exists to halve the harm and double the survival for people affected by brain tumours. We could not do this without the wonderful support of Louise and others like her.”