An 80-year-old woman has completed the 70-mile walk around the Isle of Wight coast, even tackling the final 14 miles with a broken toe!
Carol Franklin-Adams, who lives in Surrey but owns a holiday home on the Island, set off on her charity walk on Saturday, May 4 – hoping to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK).
Across the last 25 years, Carol and her husband Patrick, who sadly died of the disease three years ago, raised a staggering £200,000 for the charity.
The journey took five days to complete, with Carol starting from the coastguard cottages in Brook, where Patrick’s grandfather used to live.
Carol broke her toe ahead of the last day – which she tackled alone – after completing the previous four days with friends.
She told the County Press this was fine because she would not have wanted to complain if anyone was with her!
Carol said the first day and a half was "really easy," staying as close to the coast as possible, enjoying the well-marked paths and seeing other walkers taking part in the Ultra Challenge.
However, as the days went on, the task became harder – but not impossible!
Carol took on the final stretch along Compton Beach and reached the finish at Wednesday (May 8) lunchtime.
Carol explained that when she was 60, she cycled to John O' Groats and, at 70, to Lands’ End, starting both trips from her home in Surrey.
For her next major milestone – 90 – plans are underway for a special charity fundraiser.
Carol has her eyes on a possible walk across the Island but says that might be a bit optimistic!
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