TWO former colleagues of a terminally-ill North Yorkshire mum have joined the desperate race to raise thousands of pounds for alternative treatment.

Sponsored swimmers Carol Lock and Maria Suggitt raised almost £1,500 towards the £21,000 needed to get Stef Axelby, of Wharram-le-Street, to the Oasis Of Hope Hospital in Mexico for the cancer-fighting Issels treatment.

The pair, who used to work with Stef at Swinton Grange, Malton, each swam more than a mile at Derwent Pool this week watched by Stef, 37, her husband, Kevin, and their nine-year-old son, Kane.

They are continuing with their fundraising by holding a bingo evening and talent show.

Irene's Cancer Appeal, a charity which uses Stef's first name, has already raised £9,000 towards the cost of treatment, which involves boosting the whole immune system rather then just attacking the tumour.

But Carol said that time was running out.

She said: "The swim went absolutely brilliantly. Stef actually came which was really good because over the weekend she was really poorly.

"Stef needs this treatment as soon as possible. Everything's in place for her - the flights, the clinic in Mexico.

"We just need to raise the money, that's the only thing holding us back."

Stef was diagnosed with cervical cancer in June 2001 and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The cancer returned and, just before Christmas 2002, the couple were told that the cancer was terminal.

If the family is unable to raise cash in time for Stef, money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Events planned include a bingo evening on July 3 at Malton Bacon Factory Club, from 7.45pm, a children's Stars In Their Eyes talent show on June 28, between 2pm and 8pm, at Norton College, and a family treasure hunt, picnic and barbecue at Wharram-le-Street on July 13.

For details, or to help with the fundraising, phone Kevin Axelby on 07961 583938 or Carol Lock on 01653 695206.

Updated: 09:49 Wednesday, June 25, 2003