FRIENDS of a popular riding instructor are trying to raise £50,000 towards her treatment after she was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

Louise Downing, who runs equestrian services from Higher Merley Farm near Wimborne, was in remission for around a decade after being treated for endometrial cancer.

However, when she started suffering pain in her hips earlier this year she was urged to get tested.

In August, doctors gave her the devastating news that the cancer had returned and was at Stage 4, having spread to her liver and stomach.

Claudia Faraday, one of Louise’s former students, is now among those determinedly raising funds for immunotherapy treatment, which is Louise’s only option.

A JustGiving page has been set up to reach the £50,000 target, and a variety of events and activities have been planned on the ‘Doingitforlouise’ Facebook page.

Claudia is creating a calendar featuring pictures of “willing victims” from the local area who are happy to pose half naked with horses.

“It’s being sponsored by four businesses. If we sell 1,500 calendars we’ll be able to raise £20,000,” she said.

“Louise is a good friend. I’ve only known her a year, but she’s an incredible woman.

“She’s been blown away by the fundraising.”

Claudia added awareness about women’s health was also being raised through the fundraising campaign.

“People really don’t know enough about things like cervical cancer. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get checked,” Claudia said.

On the JustGiving page, Louise, who has a 14-year-old daughter, is described as a “bright light who touches the lives of everyone she meets”.

“She has given so much time, energy and happiness to the local riding community. It is now time for all of us to help her when she needs us most.”

So far, nearly £8,000 has been raised by friends, family and well-wishers.

Among the events planned for Louise are a bingo night at Moreton Village Hall on September 27, as well as a ‘Fun at the Farm Party Night’ at Longthorns Farm on October 26 and a charity quiz night at Wimborne Football Club on November 23.

For details about the events planned, search ‘Doingitforlouise’ on Facebook. Or to make a donation visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/doingitforlouise