A charity walk around Ullswater has raised more than £15,000 to fight cancer.

Saunter for Secondaries saw more than 60 people from around the UK tackle the Ullswater Way.

The £6,000 target has been smashed, with the total currently standing at more than £15,600.

Those taking part included Fiona Gibson from Heads Nook, near Wetheral.

Fiona, 55, is a former nurse who had to retire on health grounds two years ago. She has secondary breast cancer.

This is breast cancer which has spread to other parts of the body. Although it can be treated, there is no cure.

Saunter for Secondaries is raising money for Make 2nds Count. This charity is the first of its kind in the UK. Its funds are used for research into secondary breast cancer.

An estimated 35,000 people are living with secondary breast cancer in the UK.

Each month about 1,000 people die from it. Only seven per cent of national funding for breast cancer goes towards it.

“It was an amazing day,” says Fiona of the fundraising walk. “The majority of people managed to complete the entire 20-mile route.

“The walk started and finished at Glenridding.

“Laura Dawson, who organised the whole thing, and I did the most we could do.

“Laura is 33 and has recently got engaged.

“She has secondary breast cancer also. She’d had chemotherapy two days before the walk.

“She made it to Pooley Bridge, with her head scarf beautifully in place. She is an amazing force.

“I got to Howtown. The last few miles were total agony as an ankle tendon was giving up. I dragged myself along on painkillers and pure stubbornness, or stupidity!

“It’s amazing how far you can go on gritted teeth and sheer pig-headed determination.

“Afterwards I could barely walk but hey, you live and learn! We were lucky with the weather.

“It’s a beautiful route and well worth doing even if you’re not raising money.

“Many thanks to everyone for their support and donations.”

Fiona has had breast cancer for seven years.

She was diagnosed with secondary cancer in the bones in her pelvis two years ago.

Her treatment includes hormone tablets, monthly injections to strengthen the bones, and strong painkillers.

She says: “Living with breast cancer that has spread is difficult, knowing there is no cure at present.

“Research into treatments will hopefully bring hope.

“Every penny for research into a cure is valuable.”

Funds raised from Saunter for Secondaries go directly to the Make 2nds Count research team, based at the University of Edinburgh.

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-dawson-make2ndscount