A KEIGHLEY teacher has raised more than £4,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care by taking part in a demanding trek through one of the world's greatest wildernesses.

Sam Whitham, of Holy Family Catholic School's English Faculty, travelled to Canada for a walk through the Rocky Mountains.

Her "overseas challenge" trip lasted from June 24 to July 4, and involved trekking and camping in the mountains as part of a group of fundraisers from across the UK.

Sam said: "The threat of wild animals meant that every night food and toiletries had to be locked in metal containers each night so creatures such as bears would not invade the camp!

"Mornings began with dismantling tents and preparing breakfast outdoors then heading up to heights of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, where spectacular views were afforded.

"Fortunately the weather was mainly fine and sunny but on one trek a rapid descent had to be made as hailstones pelted us for 10 minutes. It was so severe that it caused bruising to many.

"On other days we spotted a variety of wildlife, from Canadian striped ground squirrels to elk and moose."

Sam has so far raised £4,088 and the group she travelled with has collectively raised over £100,000.

The fundraising continues until the last day of July so further donations would still be gratefully received.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Samantha-Whitham to donate.