A WIRRAL mum who is counting down to a milestone birthday with a massive fundraising drive is hoping her Halloween-themed charity ball will push her total raised closer to her target.

Tanya Hook, from Rock Ferry, launched her “40 before 40” campaign shortly before her 36th birthday in a bid to raise £10,000 for Radio City’s Cash for Kids.

The 39-year-old is working her way through a list of things to do before hitting the big 4-0 in February and has already completed a tandem skydive, take part in the Race for Life, abseil and have her portrait painted naked.

“My friends suggested I make a list of things to do before hitting the big 4-0. We ended up with a list of about 70 things so I whittled it down to 40 things that I thought were achievable.”

But the mum-of-two needs to spread the word about her project as it approaches its final few months if she is to reach her fundraising target and has organised a charity Halloween ball in Liverpool in the hope of achieving that goal.

“I have raised £6,000 so far and I’m hoping the charity ball will be a success and will take me a lot closer to getting the £10,000.

“There will be a three course meal and live music - I’m targeting older people who might want to be out and not there when the kids are trick or treating.”

Despite the challenges the list has brought, Tanya says she does not regret embarking on the journey.

“I have met some brilliant people and challenged myself and made some really good friends that I think will remain good friends.

“It has been hard at times and hard to keep going. People have said I don’t have to carry on but I have set the challenge and in my mind I have to finish it.”

As well as organising the Halloween Ball, which takes place at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool on October 31,  Tanya is also hoping to get celebrities to help her tick off a few final challenges.

“One of the things on the list is to have a photograph taken with an Everton player or the whole team but trying to access them is just a nightmare.

“If anyone has a contact and could help me to achieve that, then I’d love for them to get in touch.”

Tickets for the Halloween ball cost £35 each or £300 for a table of 10.

For more information, or to buy a ticket, email Tanya at tanyalhook@msn.com or call 07977669950