A woman whose beloved mother died after a battle with cancer has vowed to repay those who cared for her in her final months.

Hannah Paling, whose mum Shirley would have turned 59 on November 25, is walking 59 miles in 10 days for St Mary’s Hospice in memory of her alongside her sister Steph D’Leny, friends, and family. Shirley died in 2018.

“With lockdown number two happening and the dark nights drawing in, I wanted to think of something that would encourage people to get out and about,” the 30-year-old Ulverston woman said.

“Exercise is so important for your physical and mental health, and it’s something my mum always made sure she did plenty of.

“We’re still able to meet up with one other person for a walk under the lockdown rules too, so I’m hoping people will be able to see a friend and catch up while doing something good for the hospice.

“We would usually get together to raise a glass for her birthday, and even though we can’t do that this year, it’s good to get people involved and remember her in a different way – Shirl would have totally been up for this challenge.

“Hopefully, this will also help lockdown go faster if there is a focus and something to do for people.”

Individually or in teams of six or less, the plan is for the walk 59 miles to be done in total, ‘virtually’, starting yesterday and running to November 25 and each individual or team has been asked to aim for £59 in fundraising.

“Until you experience the hospice you don’t realise how important the work that they do is,” Hannah said. “They just cater for all of your needs, and they really need the support from fundraiser like this at the moment.

“Hopefully, next year we can celebrate properly and do something together for the big one, the 60th.”

Donate at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steps4shirl