Bedfont woman and colleagues in cancer fundraiser

Council worker Christine Pegram, of Whitebridge Close, told the Chronicle: "We've been doing everything we can think of to raise cash for Melissa's treatment and my colleagues have already been incredibly generous, but we wanted to do even more.

"Melissa is an amazing person - the sort of girl you just fall in love with. What's happened to her is tragic but, hopefully, we can raise all the money she needs."

Melissa, 27, who is engaged to Christine's nephew, James, was diagnosed with an advanced brain tumour in October 2008 and discovered two months later that it had spread to the base of her spine.

Her only hope of recovery is expensive proton treatment, available in Boston in the United States. Melissa travelled with her family to begin the life-saving treatment on January 13 but is still short of funds to pay for the trip.

Christine, who works as a PA in the council's legal department, said: "Melissa still needs our help to reach her

target amount and we're going to do everything we can. I'm very grateful to my colleague, Joan Conlon, for organising this walk."

The five-mile march will take place from 2-4pm on Saturday, February 28, and will begin and end at the Civic Centre, in Lampton Road, Hounslow.

Everyone taking part will donate £5 to Melissa's fighting fund on the day.

To take part, or volunteer to help out, contact joanconlon@hounslow.gov.uk or download an application form at www.melissasfighting fund.co.uk

Any money received above the total treatment cost for Melissa will go towards other people needing proton therapy treatment.