She touched the hearts of many before her life was tragically cut short by a brutal disease.

Eastern Daily Press: Maisie Colquhoun, who died aged 17 in 2015, after battling cancer. Picture: Courtesy the Teenage Cancer TrustMaisie Colquhoun, who died aged 17 in 2015, after battling cancer. Picture: Courtesy the Teenage Cancer Trust (Image: Archant)

And now a group of 20 people are planning to swim across one of Europe's deepest lakes and climb a mountain higher than Ben Nevis in memory of Maisie Colquhoun, from Wymondham, who died aged 17 in 2015 after battling a rare form of cancer.

And among those taking part in the challenge - which will raise money for the C9 Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital - will be members of Maisie's family, including her dad Iain Colquhoun.

Maisie had stayed at the cancer trust unit, and Mr Colquhoun said every family in the same position should be able to have the excellent standard of care they offered Maisie.

He said: 'From a family perspective there was a massive advantage being able to stay constantly by Maisie's side throughout her year long treatment.

'For example being able to sleep in her room, and not missing out on any moments when Maisie needed someone and extra support. This also included her close friends, who could stay late into the evening giving her some normality and social interaction.'

READ MORE: Spooner Row moped riders to set out on 600 mile journey for cancer charityWhen she was 15 Maisie was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Despite treatment, she sadly died a few days after her 17th birthday.

Leaving for Italy at the end of July, 'Team Maisie' will climb Mount Bregagno - which at 2,107m is more than 600m higher than Ben Nevis - before taking part in the Traversata Del Lago Di Como - a group swim across 1,000m of Lake Como.

Two of Maisie's friends, Ruby Lucchetti, 11 and Ollie Lucchetti, 13, are also in training to swim across the lake.

Ollie said: 'We want to do the swim across Lake Como to remember Maisie and to remember how lovely she was. We want other teenagers to get as much help as possible. The Teenage Cancer Trust is a great cause; they make the lives of teens with cancer a lot better, by doing events and supporting fun things. And we think that's really important.'

The challenge follows a 100 mile cycle around the lake in 2015, which also raised money for the trust's C9 ward.

To learn more about the challenge or to become a sponsor, visit www.themaisie100.com