Three Monmouth women are on their way to climb Africa's highest peak and raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.

Julie Williams was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and following a mastectomy enjoyed 12 cancer-free years.

In March 2012, the disease made an unwelcome return in the form of metastases to the bone. Julie was immediately referred to Velindre Cancer Centre and is receiving care and treatment from one of their remarkable teams.

Julie hopes to be in remission by the end of the month and wanted to do something to recognise the research and work undertaken by Velindre.

She is set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro alongside friends Anne Jacques and Kate Richards from Monmouth and Heather Brock from Cowbridge.

"We aim to raise valuable funding for the Breast Cancer Research Fund at Velindre Cancer Centre, which is managed by Professor Peter Barrett-Lee," said Anne.

"He heads a team of clinical and surgical research fellows which is currently researching why some breast cancer cells become resistant to anti-oestrogen therapy and understanding the mechanisms by which the cells become resistant.

"Anti-oestrogen is a very effective method of treatment for some patients and the team want to understand why some patients become resistant to this treatment."