FUNDRAISER Liz Sharkie has revealed how her mum was the inspiration for her Dryathlon challenge to raise as much money as she can for Cancer Research UK.

Her mum Margaret, a retired bookkeeper, died in 2009, aged 77, two years after she had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Liz, 50, from Stepps, said: "When the diagnosis was finally confirmed, mum was initially quite depressed, but friends and family rallied her round and she did try her best to fight it."

Cancer Research UK launched Dryathlon for the first time last year and was delighted by its success.

More than 33,500 people signed up across the UK and helped raise a fantastic £4million to help beat cancer.

While Liz is looking forward to her dry January, the whisky lover believes her partner Cameron's love of a good malt whisky will be a challenge for her.

Indeed, for Christmas, Liz presented Cameron with several bottles of their favourite malts - something she will have to do her best to resist during her Dryathlon.

Liz said: "We love malt whisky and for my 50th birthday this year, one of the things we did to celebrate was host a Whisky Tasting evening.

"It was great fun and I would love to do it again, but obviously not this January."

To sign up now and take on Dryathlon in January, visit www.dryathlon.org