When Mrs Bailey (60), of Itter Crescent, Paston, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, she was told she had just three to four years to live.

Determined not to let the disease stop her, she took on the challenge to complete a mammoth sponsored hike in aid of the charity Myeloma UK.

The gruelling walk, which crosses both Exmoor and Dartmoor, saw her set off from Lynmouth in north Devon, on Sunday, May 18, and finishing eight exhausting days later near Plymouth.

Mrs Bailey said: "I had a wonderful week walking the Two Moors Way, and I started with some of my friends at Lynmouth.

"The first part of the walk was practically vertical and it took us an hour of climbing to reach the top.

"We were accompanied by our little dog, Maddie, who walked with us for part of each day and was a big help in fund-raising.

"I haven't counted up the money yet, as it's still coming in, but I would guess we have about £500 so far, with possibly a similar amount still to come.

"My website is still available for another two or three weeks for people to make donations."

After the initial shock of hearing she had the second most common type of bone cancer, she set about finding out as much information as she could and discovered the charity.

She was joined by friend Ann Horrocks for the full eight-day trek, and got other friends involved along the way.

The kind-hearted pensioner said: "The charity is not only funding much-needed research, but also provides support, information and advice to sufferers and their families, and its help has been invaluable to me.

"It needs to raise funds to continue its work, and I decided to do what I could to help, while I am still able."

Kickstarting the donations was Woven Chords, the acappella choir in which Mrs Bailey sings, which chipped in a bumper £100.

If anyone would like to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/maggiebailey.

External links:
Myeloma UK official site.

The Two Moors Way.