Support is flooding in for a woman who is gearing up to climb Ben Nevis after surviving a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.

Tracy Marsh suffered a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage - a leakage of blood into the subarachnoid space which normally does not contain blood - followed by a massive stroke which caused loss of feeling in her left side and her lung collapsed.

She was told she would probably never walk again.

But the strong-willed 33-year-old mother, of Yew Tree Close, Shipley, has learned to walk.

And on July 6 she will be climbing the 4,409ft Scottish mountain to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of her father Melvyn Marsh who died of lung cancer in November 2001.

Backed by Councillor Phil Thornton (Lab, Shipley East), donations and promises of sponsorship have been pouring in from well-wishers across the town.

"So far I have at least £2,000 promised in sponsorship and some firms have said they will donate but have not been able to say as yet how much," said Tracy, who works as a shelf-stacker at Baildon's Co-op store.

"The response has been fantastic and wherever I go people come up to me and say they would like to help.

"A lot of people have said how amazed they are at finding out what I went through."

The Telegraph & Argus reported in May how Tracy was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary after complaining of a headache and sore throat.

A scan revealed the haemorrhage and she was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where she underwent a life-saving operation after which she had her skull pinned back together.

"I'm so lucky and this walk will be for my dad who was my lifeline and helped me through the difficult times," said Tracy.

She will be doing the challenge with daughter Tanya Birkett, 14, who is being sponsored by staff and fellow pupils at Beckfoot School, Bingley.

Coun Thornton said he hoped more companies would back her quest.

"Her strength is her determination and courage," he said.

"Her overwhelming sincerity in her pursuit to help others is an inspiration."

Money raised will also go towards paying for a guide and accommodation.

To sponsor Tracy telephone (01274) 595227.