A BROADWAY pensioner who was determined to do the longest walk of her life before her 70th birthday has raised around £1,500 for Cancer Research UK.

Sixty-nine-year-old Helen Jones walked a total of 177 miles over 12 days, climbing a total of 25,000ft when she tackled the mountain walk Offa's Dyke.

She started the walk in Prestatyn, Wales, and finished at the Sedbury Cliffs, near Chepstow, on the banks of the River Severn.

Nine walkers from the group Holiday Friendship took part, and although it was not a charity event, Mrs Jones decided she wanted to raise money for a good cause.

"I decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK in recognition of my own good health," she said.

"So many people at my age have things go wrong."

Mrs Jones was the oldest person in the walking group, whose ages ranged from 42 to 69.

"It was very tough and we were walking seven hours a day," she said.

"It was hard for everybody.

"It's the longest walk I've ever done but I wanted to do it before I reach 70 next spring.

"The scenery was beautiful and I realised that the British countryside is really breathtaking when seen from the mountain tops.

"I felt a bit tired but very happy and satisfied and very touched by not just the money that came in but the beautiful letters of encouragement and support from all corners of the country."

The walking party stopped at bed and breakfasts overnight during their gruelling hike.

Mrs Jones, lives in Morris Road, Broadway with her husband John, The walk took place at the end of last month.

If anyone would like to make a donation to the charity, they should address a cheque to Cancer Research UK and post it to Mrs Jones, The Corner, 2 Morris Road, Broadway, WR12 7RE.