IT was a tale of two castles as a double lung transplant patient walked a staggering 4,391 miles for charity - the equivalent from Colchester Castle to the magical Cinderella’s Castle in Disneyworld.

Self-confessed Disney fan Karen Mills has cystic fibrosis and underwent a life-saving transplant at the Royal Papworth Hospital seven years ago. 

She was determined to thank the hospital for its care and set herself the Herculean challenge of walking 4,391 miles to raise money.

The task was not an easy one but Karen said: “Once I say I’m going to do something, it’s happening come hell or high water. 

“My mum and husband have been key support, coming out with me on walks or bike rides.

“I am very goal orientated. I have kept a spreadsheet of my miles through walking apps. 

“I have been competing with myself, trying to match or better the miles walked in my best months. 

“I don’t do sitting around very well. I try to be as active as my body allows.”

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The long, demanding walks did not come without their issues, however.

Karen said: “Since January, I have been struggling with health issues, severe stomach pains that are common with my condition. 

“There were a few weeks in February where the pain was so bad I couldn’t do anything at all. 

“It hit me mentally, however, I pushed through the pain as I knew I had to reach the goal.

“I have really enjoyed the challenge. Raising money was rewarding but I also wanted to remind people of the good that comes from organ donations. 

“There was no way I could have done any of this without my transplant. Someone gave me this chance and I am not going to waste it.”

The £595 raised will be split between the transplant and cystic fibrosis units at the hospital. 

Karen will also fund patient packs for newly-transplanted patients, as well as sponsoring gifts for the cystic fibrosis unit ensuring any patient who has their birthday whilst admitted will receive a gift.

Now Karen has set her sights on qualifying in the swimming and bowling teams for the British Transplant Games, a national sports competition for transplant beneficiaries, taking place in 2025.