A TADLEY woman took on a 13-hour exercise challenge to raise hundreds of pounds for a good cause.

Pearl Evans, 66, walked, ran and cycled over three days to raise cash for The Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the charity has been set up to raise £5million towards a new cancer centre which is to be built in north Hampshire.

Although the location of the centre is yet to be finalised, it is thought it will be sited on a patch of land between the M3, A303 and A34.

The centre, which should open in 2016, will offer vital treatments such as radiotherapy alongside palliative care and more general support, including hair care, beauty treatments and financial and employment advice.

It will dramatically reduce the travelling time for patients undergoing radiotherapy, who currently have to travel to Southampton or Guildford for the essential treatment.

Pearl, pictured, said: “This is a cause that is close to my heart as I’ve lost family members and friends to cancer and can only imagine how difficult it must be to travel miles when you feel so unwell.”

Pearl, who works at J&K Care Specialists, in New Street, Basingstoke, took on the challenge at Aspects of Fitness, based at Scrapps Hill.

In total, she raised £400, with funding coming in with help from her colleagues and from the Test Valley Clay Pigeon Club where Pearl’s husband John is a member.

Vickie Randall, charity manager for The Ark Cancer Charity appeal, said: “We are so grateful to our local community for their help and support.

“The total of £5m is a challenge but we are determined to raise the money needed to build what will be an amazing cancer treatment centre for local people.”

To find out more, visit arkcancercharity.org.uk.