A YORK couple who overcame the hurdle of cancer are now tackling another challenge in aid of a cerebral palsy charity.

Hilary Minford, 41, has been clear of cancer for four years after undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for Hodgkins disease, or cancer of the lymph nodes.

Now she and her husband, John, 42, who together run John Minford Associates, chartered accountants, in York and Easingwold, are planning to pull on their hiking boots to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, in aid of Scope.

The couple, who married 15 months ago and have five children between them, are also holding an informal wine-tasting evening where they will be providing the music - Hilary singing, accompanied by John on the piano.

They hope to raise a total of £10,000 for the charity, formerly known as the Spastics Society, which helps people with cerebral palsy and their families and carers.

Mrs Minford said: "I was ill myself a few years ago, I had cancer.

"And although I don't live with a sense of having to do something worthwhile every day, I do have a sense that life is to be lived.

"We have five children between us and they are all healthy, so the thought of helping children who aren't healthy, while achieving an ambition which we will get a real sense of worth from, appealed to us.

"Sometimes you just have to do something.

"Cerebral palsy is maybe less glamorous than some of the other charities, but it had an appeal to us because we have five children who are all healthy."

The couple have been training for the nine-day trip in February by visiting a gym and going on long walks to improve stamina.

The wine-tasting evening will take place on Friday next week, at Bedern Hall, in York. Tickets cost £13.75 to include wine and buffet.

To buy tickets for the event, or to sponsor the Minfords on the climb, phone Hilary on 01904 658865.

Updated: 11:55 Thursday, November 21, 2002