A YOUNG, terminally ill woman has launched a fundraising sensation in her bid to raise £1million for charity.

Lisa Connell, 28, from New Southgate, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour last year, is auctioning off herself, friends and the odd celebrity, all in aid of Brain Tumour UK.

She said: "I'd had problems with my eye sight and I knew there was something wrong with me. When I got my results from my MRI scan I thought I was going in to be told I would need an operation.

"We had some second opinions, but in the end I was told there was nothing they could do for me. The location of the tumour is in a difficult place."

Following the diagnosis Ms Connell had trouble walking, but managed to overcome this obstacle and take part in the British 10K run, raising over £3,000 for the charity.

She added: "Six months ago, I was told I would never walk again, then I did a 10k run. After I did that, I decided to think of another way of doing something for Brain Tumour UK.

"I don't know how I came up with the idea."

Her MySpace web page, found at the website www. rentadateforcharity.com, has turned out to be quite a good idea, though, garnering media attention across London and elsewhere, as well as celebrity backing.

Super model Sophie Anderton has agreed to be taken out for dinner by the highest bidder once the site gets fully up and running.

The next aim for the fast-growing innovation is to secure a sponsor, so renta-dateforcharity can become a fully-fledged fundraising business, aiming to raise £1million.

Ms Anderton said: "Hav-ing met Lisa, I have been saddened by the lack of funding, resources, education and support for these types of tumours.

"Her courage, strength and positive attitude has inspired me and my friends to get involved with her charity."

Lisa said: "The main reason for my campaign is that no one knows enough about brain tumours.

"I know they can't do anything for me, but what about in five years down the line for somebody else?"

Despite her health suffering from the effects of the tumour, including continuous headaches, fatigue and problems with depth perception, Lisa is determined to pursue this venture.

She said: "It means a lot to me and my family. I started having a nervous breakdown. I've never not been doing anything, so not being able to work really didn't help the situation. I really had to get on and do something about it.

"When I started walking again, I thought if I can do that, I can do anything'. I've made millions for companies; I want to make millions for this charity."