ARDIAN reporter Sue Archer is set to tackle western Europe's highest mountain this week.

The roving newshound from Cheshunt will be climbing Mont Blanc in France with husband Tony to raise money for the Isabel Hospice, in Welwyn Garden City, in memory of her parents.

Sue tragically lost both her parents to cancer - her father, Brian Plester, died aged 70 in January 2001 from cancer of the pancreas, just four months after losing his wife Margaret, 68, after a long battle with breast cancer.

The devoted couple, who had been married for almost 39 years, left daughter Sue and sons Peter and Paul.

Sue was spurred into raising money as a thank you to the Isabel Hospice for helping the family care for their parents at home during their illnesses.

Sue said: "It was the wish of both my parents and all of the family to stay at home throughout their illnesses. We are eternally grateful for the wonderful district nurses and hospice staff for making this possible."

The Mont Blanc climb is the second attempt for Sue, 33, and husband Tony, 34, a London black cabbie and part-time fitness instructor.

Last year their plans ended in disappointment due to a "white-out" on the morning of the summit attempt - a snow blizzard which put a stop to the final ascent.

Sue said: "It was hugely disappointing to be told we wouldn't be able to make the summit attempt after we had completed a week of training and acclimatisation. We felt so geared up for it but our guides told us it would be unsafe.

"In retrospect it was the safest thing the guides could have told us, but at the time we were totally mortified, especially after preparing all week for the summit - and overcoming my fear of heights.

"I used to get twitchy walking more than my own height up a ladder, but for some reason I feel a lot safer on a mountain - they seem unshakeable."

She added: "The only cause for celebration last year was on the night before our planned summit attempt. We were in the mountain refuge and one of our group got a text message on his mobile saying England had beat Germany 5-1."

This week the couple are being guided by professional and highly-respected mountain guide, Sandy Allen, who has scaled Everest and many more of the world's highest mountains.

Sue said: "We will certainly be in safe hands with Sandy who was one of our guides last year. This year he's guiding just the two of us. We've done all the ground work by getting fit for the climb, so fingers crossed the weather will look kindly on us."

Anybody who would like to sponsor Sue and Tony should send a cheque made payable to Isabel Hospice to Sue Archer, The Wanstead and Woodford Guardian, Guardian House, 480-500 Larkshall Road, London E4 9GD.

July 11, 2002 10:30