A BREAST cancer survivor is revving up for a 1000-mile fundraising journey - on a Harley-Davidson motorbike.

A BREAST cancer survivor is revving up for a 1000-mile fundraising journey - on a Harley-Davidson motorbike.

Karina Gallagher, 45, from Cumbernauld, was diagnosed with cancer five years ago and after surgery is currently clear.

She said: "I never imagined as I celebrated my 40th birthday that my whole life would be turned upside down less than a year later."

Now she is to ride from Aviemore to London, hoping to raise around £2500 for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and the Amazon Heart Trust UK.

It's the second time Karina, a customer provision adviser with BT in Glasgow, has taken part in a charity ride.

In 2005 she rode from London to Edinburgh - but this time the event is sponsored by Harley-Davidson, which is providing bikes and jackets to riders.

Karina said: "Two years ago it was a wonderfully humbling experience being with all those women who had walked the same path, some more than once.

"I am honoured to be given the chance to take part again. Nothing is guaranteed in this life, so we have to take the chances we are given and make the most of things.

"If there is even one woman out there facing surgery or chemotherapy who sees us and takes comfort from our achievement it's all worthwhile."

Karina started riding scooters in 2000 and graduated to small bikes before being hit by cancer.

"Even though it's four years since my last surgery, I still get six- monthly check-ups," she said. "I am currently clear of it."

Karina will be joined by 20 other riders leaving Aviemore on August 26.

The riders are expected to arrive in London on September 1.

On the first 40 miles of the trip, they will be joined by another 1000 Harley-Davidson bikers taking part in the annual Thunder in the Glens rally.