When Mrs Bailey (60), of Itter Crescent, Paston, Peterborough, 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, and finishing eight exhausting days later near Plymouth.

Mrs Bailey said: "I had a wonderful week walking the Two Moors Way.

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

"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.

"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."

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