A cancer patient is gearing up for a cycle ride in south east Asia to help a hospital department that got her through her treatment.Stephanie Saunders from Thetford is preparing to peddle 500km from Vietnam to Cambodia next year with her friend Theresa Webster from Norwich to raise funds for three charities.

A cancer patient is gearing up for a cycle ride in south east Asia to help a hospital department that got her through her treatment.

Stephanie Saunders from Thetford is preparing to peddle 500km from Vietnam to Cambodia next year with her friend Theresa Webster from Norwich to raise funds for three charities.

The 25-year-old was diagnosed with skin cancer a year and a half ago and had four operations to remove melanomas from her body.

Miss Saunders, who was given the all clear in April but has to have regular check-ups, is now fundraising for the West Suffolk Hospital's dermatology department as she prepares for a charity ride from Saigon, Vietnam, to Siem Reap, Cambodia, in January.

The cycling duo are hoping to raise more than £5,000 for the West Suffolk Hospital, Norwich-based mental health organisation Discovery Quest, and East Anglia's Children's Hospices and have already hit the £3,200 mark.

The two intrepid cyclists will be flying off to south east Asia on January 23 to cover a distance of around 500km in 6 days through difficult terrain and high humidity.

Their friend, Paul Elder, of Honington, helped generate £400 for the good causes by having his chest and legs waxed at Finishing Touches beauty salon in Thetford earlier this month.

The two women took part in a sponsored challenge activity cay in the Lake District at the weekend and are organising a pool competition at the ex-servicemen's club in Thetford on Sunday.

To take part, email Miss Saunders at funkysteph858@hotmail.com. They can also be sponsored online at www.mycharitypage.com/tezzawebster72.