A Sandbach woman who survived a rare type of bile duct cancer is setting off on her biggest challenge yet and helping the charity working to help others. 

Andrea Sheardown, her husband Chris, their daughter Amelia and 21 others are taking part in the Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain for the Cholangiocarcinoma charity, AMMF 

The amazing 52-year-old and the rest of her 'AMMF Army' fly out to Peru tomorrow (Tuesday) for the fundraising trek which will see them camping out in tents. 

"I've been practising hard and walking everywhere to get ready. I do have a huge fear of heights but I'm determined to do this and so is everyone else," she said. 

Andrea can't wait to see Rainbow Mountain. (Photo: Nub News)

"Rainbow Mountain is a spiritual place and it's somewhere I've always wanted to go. The colours are pretty special and it has a special link to me. 

"Standing on top of this mountain will be such a special moment," said Andrea. "The mountain's colours are formed by minerals and sediments. 

"I found out about the mountain when my world became so dark. It's a sacred place and it will be very special." 

Such an important figure for the Cholangiocarcinoma charity AMMF is Andrea '' that she was recently invited to attend the House of Commons to support the charity's 'Rethink Liver Cancer Campaign'. 

Hosted by the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on cancer, Elliot Colburn MP, Andrea was invited as a voice for patients affected by the devastating cancer. 

"I joined the AMMF and other medical professionals connected to this cancer in lobbying MPs, calling for change and greater access to NHS treatment for cholangiocarcinoma patients. 

"It was an historical moment and hopefully will pave the way for more support for patients diagnosed with the cancer." 

Sadly, the cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers and Andrea is determined she will do all she can to help.   

"It's increasing across all age groups, including younger people, and the cause of this ongoing increase is unknown," added Andrea. 

Various local companies have sponsored the challenge. (Photo: Nub News)

"Much more research is desperately needed. AMMF is the UK's only cholangiocarcinoma charity, dedicated to tackling this devastating cancer on all fronts, providing information and support, campaigning to raise awareness, and encouraging and supporting research." 

Andrea has raised over £110,000 for AMMF, the Cholangiocarcinoma charity, since 2016. 

A charity crazy bingo event held recently at Sandbach Rugby Club raised a bumper £4,103.51 and the Peru trip will boost funds further. 

At the weekend, Andrea did 38 thousand steps around Winterley helping to boost her fitness for the 11-day Peru trek. 

Numerous local companies have provided sponsorship and Andrea and her 'army' can't wait to fly the banner on top of the mountain. 

Andrea has set up a fundraising page for the trek with the aim of raising £10,000 – and donations are nearly at £13,488. The link to donate is here

Sandbach Nub News wishes Andrea and the rest of her 'army' the best of luck on their Inca Trail and Rainbown Mountain challenge. 

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