WHEN Elaine Simkin was told she had just three months to live, she told the doctor she did not have time to die.

The busy mum, charity campaigner and fitness instructor proved them all wrong - and she is still fighting fit 20 years later.

She has lived through two major cancer scares and is now boosting her energy levels for a trek across China.

The former landlady developed lung disease, believed to have been caused by passive smoking.

She was told the worse case scenario - she only had three months to live.

Elaine, of Fenwick Close, Daisy Hill, Leigh, said: "I was shocked, but told the doctor that I didn't have time to die."

She was given a reprieve when specialists discovered she was suffering from miners' lung, which causes the lining of the lungs to harden, and is curable.

The 51-year-old former nurse said: "Fortunately, they then discovered it was a lung disease that miners get.

"I got it because I was living in the pub, breathing in other people's smoke."

In 1994, Elaine's second scare followed abnormal smear tests, resulting in a hysterectomy.

Now, Elaine, whose dad died from cancer in 1992, feels it is time to give back to Cancer Research.

She will be travelling to China next May to walk the Great Wall and see the nature reserve of Yunmeng Shan Forest Park before travelling to Beijing, on foot.

Elaine aims to walk more than four hours a day with her travel companion, Alison Merrick, 38, also of Daisy Hill.

Both women hope to raise £5,000 between them to donate to Cancer Research.

She said: "I figure cancer is going to get me in the end, so I want to find a cure for it as soon as possible."

Elaine is also busy running a special fitness class after shedding two stone nine years ago, in her fight to stay healthy.

And on top of all this, she is also an active member of Heritage Productions, performing traditional music hall style entertainment for the town's pensioners.

The Cancer Research Campaign spends £8 million in the North West on scientists researching cures for cancer.

A spokesman said: "As the Cancer Research Campaign receives no government funding, it relies entirely on the generosity of the general public, people like Elaine."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Elaine and Alison should contact 01942 810762.