AN 80-year-old woman from Andover has raised nearly £14,000 for charity after completing a sponsored walk.

In 2022 Mary Dunn (nee Vincent), who was born in Andover and has lived in the town for almost all her life, realised she had a few lumps on her breasts, and just a number of weeks later, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mary received treatment at the Nick Jonas Unit at Winchester hospital, and said the care and treatment she was offered through her battle with breast cancer was "absolutely fantastic".

After Mary went into remission, she decided she wanted to do something to say thank you for the fantastic care she had received, and came up with the idea of doing a sponsored walk.

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Friends and family of Mary walked along the Test Way from Romsey to Upper Clatford church, where a barbecue was put on for those taking part in the walk.

Despite poor weather, around 15 people took part in the walk, with seven starting at Romsey at 8.30am with others joining at different points or doing the walk on a different day with better weather.

Andover Advertiser: Mary on the walk with her friend JennyMary on the walk with her friend Jenny (Image: Gareth Hartwell)

Mary's son, Gareth Hartwell, said: "We made good time and the weather was good as we crossed the fields from Sadler's Mill in Romsey and through Squabb Wood.  It started to rain at Mottisfont and we got completely soaked walking along the disused railway line via Stockbridge to West Down. 

"Luckily the rain abated as some other walkers joined us as we walked near Chilbolton and Wherwell before walking up the river Anton to Upper Clatford Church, at one point the sun even came out briefly.

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"Mary joined the last part of the walk towards Clatford after which we celebrated with a barbecue at the church which was very well-attended, including several people who had done the walk themselves at various times."

Although not quite reaching her target of £20,000, Mary and her supporters have managed to raise close to £14,000, which will be presented to Hampshire Hospitals, for the Nick Jonas ward patient environment improvements, and Cancer Research in a few weeks' time. 

Gareth continued: "Please hurry if you would like to make a donation to help us get to our target. The easiest way to donate is on our JustGiving site at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marydunn, but if you would prefer to give cash or cheque email marydunn21@msn.com to arrange this."