AN inspirational woman has been raising money for charity in memory of her family.

Julie Reid, from Halstead, took on the challenge of walking 100 miles throughout October to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

She took on the trek in memory of her parents, sister Sue and husband, all of whom she lost to cancer.

Julie said: “The challenge is just to walk 100 miles in October and is run by Cancer Research.

“I think there are about 18,000 people doing it across the country, and when I saw it, I thought I would join in.

“I lost my mum to oesophageal cancer, my dad to lung cancer, and then eight years ago in October I lost my sister Sue also to oesophageal cancer.

“More recently, four years ago, I lost my husband Randy to pancreatic cancer.

“Obviously it is a charity that is close to my heart, so when the challenge came up it was a nice challenge to take part in.”

Julie took on the challenge with friend Gill Mansfield.

She completed it just before the month's end, crossing the 100-mile finish line on October 30 with a walk to Colne Engaine.

Julie said: “It has been tough.

“We have been lucky with the weather throughout the month.

“At the weekend we do longer walks of five or six miles, and with the nights drawing in, we did a couple of miles in the evening just around the town.

"We both said it was very satisfying to complete it. I am definitely not a walker but I'll be walking more now."

They have raised more than £400 together.

Julie said: “Doing a challenge for a charity close to me is amazing.

“The support we have seen has also been lovely, especially at the moment when people might not have a lot of money and Christmas is coming up - to donate is really kind.

“We really didn’t expect to receive this much but have been pleasantly surprised with the total raised.”

To donate, visit bit.ly/3fawXuj.