Juliette Camburn survived the onset of Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 27, and now she is determined to help others through their ordeal.
She will take part in Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike, which is launched today - in aid of Maggie's Cancer Centres, the charity which supported Juliette and her family through three months of chemotherapy.
This will be her fourth "Monster", each time having completed the Gold challenge - 83 miles of biking and hiking through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.
The event is expected to draw 800 participants and raise £800,000 for Maggie's network of centres.
Ms Camburn, 31, from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2004, three days before she was due to travel to South America.
"I found a lump above my collar bone, but at first I was told it was probably just a swollen gland.
"I never thought it could be cancer. I hadn't even felt ill.
"But three days before I was due to fly out to see my brother, they told me it was lymphoma. It was a complete shock."
During her three months of chemotherapy, Ms Camburn often visited Maggie's.
"It's a little oasis, away from all the clinical things - the doctors and the appointments.
"Hospitals are not the most relaxing or stress-free places. But Maggie's was like walking into a friend's home.
"You can have a cup of tea, read and find a friendly face to speak to about your worries and concerns. It's such an amazing resource."
Ms Camburn is considering training to become a nurse, specialising in cancer care.
By taking part in Monster, and other fundraisers, she has raised £13,000 for Maggie's, with the help of her friend Fiona Miller.
"I absolutely love taking part in Monster - I would recommend it to anybody. The route is beautiful and everyone is in it together for one charity.
"It gives you an amazing feeling to be part of something like this."
Around 2500 people have taken part in Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike to date, raising more than £2.3m to help Maggie's centres.
Shivonne Graham, Maggie's head of events, said: "Anyone who has taken part will tell you this is one of the most inspiring and enjoyable weekends of the year."
Helping to launch this year's event, comedians Ford Kiernan and Sanjeev Kohli will don their cycling gear.
Mr Kohli said: "Participants will be part of one of the largest outdoor charity events in the country while raising vital funds to help Maggie's."
Mr Kiernan said: "The support that Maggie's centres offer to people affected by cancer is invaluable and it is all free-of-charge." The challenge Monster 2008 is the ultimate 24-hour team building challenge, with participants completing a 30-mile cycle and then choosing to hike eight (bronze), 22 (silver) or 43 miles (gold). The event, which takes place on the bank holiday weekend of May 3 and 4, takes in some of Scotland's most awe-inspiring scenery, starting under the shadow of Ben Nevis in Fort William and taking in Loch Ness as participants travel along the Great Glen Way to Inverness. To find out more about Maggie's and Monster 2008 call Kirsty Toal on 0845 602 6427, e-mail kirstyt@maggiescentres.org or visit www.maggiescentres.org/monster .
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