A BRAVE Newport mum suffering from terminal cancer is dressing up as Bananas in Pyjamas with her best friend in order to raise funds for a local hospice.

On Sunday Alison Liddell, 47, from Rogerstone, and best friend of more than 35 years Amanda Probert, 48, will dress as the characters when they take part in the annual St Anne’s Hospice Pyjama Walk across the Severn.

The Pyjama Walk is a five mile walk to England and back to Wales over the original Severn Bridge, and Mrs Liddell will be accompanied by more than 40 of her closest friends and family.

Mrs Liddell, a childminder, was diagnosed in June. She said: “I was not very well for a while. But I didn’t have symptoms you would associate with cancer. I went to the hospital and they did some tests, and that’s when they told me I had pancreatic and liver cancer, and it is terminal.

“That’s one of the reasons I wanted to do this walk – to raise awareness. People tend to think of pancreatic cancer as an older person’s disease, but obviously it can effect anyone. My only symptoms were extreme tiredness, back ache and a loss of appetite. When you find out you have cancer, it changes everything.

"I want to make people aware they shouldn't ignore the symptoms, even if they seem small or unimportant.”

Mrs Probert, also a childminder added: “We went to the hospice to see what it was like and we saw a sign for the walk, and we both thought it was a brilliant way to raise money for the great work they do. We were both really shocked when we realised they rely completely on donations.

“Everyone calls us Bananas in Pyjamas anyway ever since we took the children to school on World Book Day dressed as the characters, so it was the perfect choice for us. We even call each other B1 and B2!"

The family walk will be starting and finishing on the Welsh side of the Severn Bridge crossing at Thornwell, Chepstow.

The route is along the pavement which runs parallel to the M48 Motorway which is suitable for wheel chairs and prams.

Tania Ansell, community and events fundraiser at St Anne's, said: “We still desperately need more people to sign up. People can register online or turn up on the day. Either way, all are welcome. It costs £7 million a year to keep the hospice open and free for the people of Gwent.”

Entry is £10 per person and £5 for children under 16 years.