A TERMINALLY ill woman weighing six-and-a-half stone will defy her cancer and fulfil a lifelong ambition this weekend - by abseiling down an 80ft rock face.

Stourport's Julie Smith, 31, will take part in the sponsored event in aid of Kidderminster's Kemp Hospice, where she receives day care and "symptom control" treatment for cervical cancer five days a week.

Miss Smith was diagnosed with the illness last September and received chemotherapy and radiotherapy before being told it was terminal three months ago - a situation she may have avoided had she not missed a routine smear test.

She says she has no idea how much time she has left - but is determined to spread the message that having cancer is no reason to stop enjoying life by taking part in the event at Bewdley's Blackstone Rock at noon on Sunday.

"It's a dream come true - I just hope I stay strong enough on the day," Miss Smith told the Shuttle/Times & News.

"My message to anyone else who gets cancer would be - life is too short, if you have a dream then go for it. You can still enjoy your life.

"It's about quality of life, not quantity."

A painful smear test by a "barbaric" doctor at the age of 21 put Miss Smith off subsequent routine check-ups, and she is convinced her illness would have been caught at a treatable stage if she had continued the tests.

And her message to women with similar experiences was clear: "It doesn't matter how painful it is, nothing compares to the consequences of cancer."

Miss Smith is full of praise for the role of Kemp Hospice and its staff and is keen to raise as much money as possible for the cause. She has so far attracted about £220 in sponsorship.

She said: "I am raising money for Kemp because I enjoy coming here so much. It has made such a difference in my life and the way I have felt.

"People think you come here to die but you don't - you come here to live.

"I don't feel ill but I know I would if I was sitting at home without Kemp."

Kemp staff nurse and day care leader Sally Deakin said: "It's just a privilege to look after Julie.

"At Kemp we set our patients little goals to achieve and this was something she wanted to do."

After Sunday, Miss Smith has set one more goal.

"I would love one more Christmas," she said.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Miss Smith should call Sally Deakin on 01562 861217.