A BASINGSTOKE woman who had breast cancer is preparing to trek the Indian Himalayas to raise awareness and money for the cancer charity Coppafeel.

Karla Cornwall, 49, of Boyce Close, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2021.

The mother-of-three, who owns her own beauty salon, said she was shocked when she discovered a lump was cancer.

“I was completely shocked when I felt a lump, one lump turned into three tumours,” she said.

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(Image: Karla Cornwall)

Following the diagnosis Karla endured gruelling treatment for the cancer including surgery, radiotherapy, injections and bone fusions.

However, determined to do something positive, Karla took part in her first trek in 2021 raising £6,000 through a fundraising event at the Tea Bar in Basingstoke.

Now, the mum is planning her second fundraising mission with a five-day trek in the Himalayas to raise money for CoppaFeel.

Karla will embark on the walk in November and said she wants to use her experience to help others.

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“I really try to use it in a very positive way and raise awareness,” she said, hoping that her fundraising efforts this time around will pull in even more pounds for charity.

She has organised an event at the Tea Bar in Basingstoke on Saturday, July 6 with a summer theme including music, cocktails, a barbecue, raffle and auction. A small number of tickets will be available for the private event, which will open to the public to join the party after 8pm.

“That’s what is all about, giving back to the local community. I want to raise awareness for the local community in Basingstoke,” said Karla, who is now publishing a poetry book about her cancer journey.

“After doing this amazing trek, I want to focus on my life, my poetry and my children,” she said.

So far, she has raised £2,350. To donate to Karla’s five-day trek, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Karlaslifes4living.