Woman, 90, to walk Hadrian's Wall for cancer centre

Mary Nicholson's trek along Hadrian's Wall is due to start on 25 April

A 90-year-old woman is preparing to walk the entire length of Hadrian's Wall to raise money for her local cancer care centre.

Mary Nicholson is hoping to raise £5,000 for The Beacon Centre in Taunton, Somerset, where her brother is receiving treatment.

Mrs Nicholson is planning to do the 85-mile (137km) route as part of an eight-day trek and will be joined by family members including her three daughters, youngest son and grandchildren.

"I want to raise awareness. So much can be done if cancer is caught in time," she said.

"People mustn't be afraid to have their checks done. Sadly, my husband's was caught too late, my brother's was caught in time and that's made all the difference."

As a former NHS nurse and midwife, Mrs Nicholson began her career at the Bristol Royal Infirmary before becoming a senior midwife in Somerset.

She later watched her three daughters follow in her footsteps, becoming nurses themselves.

The trek will take Mary Nicholson along the historic Roman structure

Mrs Nicholson moved to Burnham from Plymouth in 1972 with her husband John and their six children.

John passed away from cancer in 1988 - a loss that makes this fundraising mission all the more personal for her.

"I wouldn't have been able to do this without my family, a big thank you to them for all that they continue to do for me. Family to me is everything," she said.

Mrs Nicholson walks every day along Burnham beach and Brean Down to prepare.

"I'm feeling very blessed. My life and career have been a privilege," she said.

"I was at home raising family for 16 years and then went back into nursing as a midwifery sister in 1977 and I've never looked back. I'd do it all again."

The trek is due to get under way on 25 April.