A BRAVE little girl who lost her battle with cancer is the inspiration behind a Bury woman’s gruelling fundraising challenge.

Saima Naseem is pushing herself to the limit to honour the memory of her niece who died at the age of four.

The 36-year-old has been training for the Born Survivor 10k military obstacle course in Cumbria and will be part of a team raising money for Bury Cancer Support Centre.

The feat will be a tribute to Sahar Hussain who was diagnosed with the terminal disease as a baby.

Recalling the devastating moment her family’s life was shattered, Saima said: “My sister Abilla first noticed there was something wrong with my niece when she developed a squint in her eye.

She took her to the doctors and eventually further tests revealed she had cancer in her eyes, which gradually spread to her whole body.

“There was nothing that could be done for Sahar. It was a devastating time for the entire family.”

Saima, who lives in Bury and works as a trainee supervisor at B&M Bargains in Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, said: “Sahar spent almost all of her short life in hospital having treatment and chemotherapy. She was a quiet child but she absolutely loved to draw and paint.

“I decided I wanted to do something to keep her memory alive and so taking part in the Born Survivor challenge will be my first tribute to her.”

Saima is not the only member of her family who will be taking on the challenge as her younger sister Marria, aged 30, will also be tackling the course designed by British Royal Marines Commandos.

Saima said they aim to raise around £500 when they tackle the course on Saturday at Lowther Castle in Cumbria.

To support Saima and her sister visit their justgiving page.