Angela Wilson showed admirable persistence when completing the Bob Graham Round. The fact that she tackled this brutal fell-running challenge at all was just as impressive.

In the past few years Angela, 45, has faced numerous health challenges, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, for which she underwent chemotherapy.

She has planned an attempt at the Bob Graham - a 66-mile run over 42 Lake District peaks in under 24 hours - for the past three years. Recurring health problems meant she had to delay it.

Now Angela has risen to the challenge, raising hundreds of pounds for charity and being supported by fell-running legends Joss Naylor and Billy Bland.

Angela lives on Yewdale Road, Carlisle, and works at Tata Steel in Shap.

Her health problems began in 2011 when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; a type of cancer which affects the immune system. She says: "I have been left with a deficient immune system. For the last two winters I have fought prolonged chest infections and a severe cough, which took the strongest of antibiotics to clear up.

"My haematology specialist noticed a low immunoglobulin result in my bloods and referred me for monthly immunoglobulin transfusions. Having received them for about a year, I have managed to stay in good health."

Early this year a cyst problem laid Angela up for two weeks. Then came a chest infection. She recovered and managed to complete The Three Peaks Race in Yorkshire in April.

In May, Angela took part in the No Cure, Always Hope Ultra Run; a 39-mile Lake District race in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She did extremely well, setting a ladies' record.

"On the back of my result, I decided to strike while the iron was hot and take the opportunity to make an attempt at the Bob Graham."

Angela set off on Thursday June 20 at 9pm. "My husband Paul completed the Bob Graham Round in 2017. He organised the majority of the round for me, such as support runners and logistics. He left the hair and the running outfits to me!

"I had some experienced running friends with me who kept pace, kept me fed and watered, entertained and encouraged. I had helpers travelling from Manchester and Leeds. The nice thing was, no one was asked to help. Once the date had been set, everyone volunteered. I am eternally grateful they were there.

"A friend who is going through chemotherapy for breast cancer came out at 4.30am to see me at Dunmail Raise, continued to hike with me through my worst hours over Bowfell to Scafell Pike, and was at Honister and the finish.

"Paul was amazing. He paced and navigated from Leg 3 onwards, where I was ready to give up. I was nauseous, really struggling to eat, afraid of letting people down.

"My energy levels were low and I was feeling dreadful. But he encouraged me, very patient but firm! Paul has lived for this day as long as me and the thought that I would give up never crossed his mind."

Along the way Joss Naylor and Billy Bland took time to encourage Angela. "I met Joss whilst completing my final Wainwright in 2011. It was wonderful meeting him and Billy on my Bob Graham Round. When I met Joss at Wasdale I wasn't feeling too good as I had been struggling to eat and had been on the verge of giving in. He told me to get a bit of salt and glucose, get over Yewbarrow and I would make it. He was right!

"Billy and his wife Ann came to Honister. I felt so honoured, they really made a difference. I only had five minutes' stop at Wasdale and Honister. A week later I went for morning coffee with Billy and Ann to continue the short-lived chat!"

Angela finished her Bob Graham on Friday at 8.18pm, beating the 24-hour deadline by 42 minutes.

"When I sat on the steps at the Moot Hall in Keswick I was overwhelmed, but unbelievably managed to not cry. As I ran up the street I was looking out for my nine-year-old son Zack. Friends had brought him out to see me finish.

"One of my favourite photos of the day is of Paul and I sitting on the steps. He has waited as long as me to get the Bob Graham done. He was fairly happy to say the least!"

Angela is raising money for Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and Dr O’Brien's Lymphoma Treatment Fund.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/angela-wilson42 or www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/angela-brown-BG