A DURSLEY midwife is on the final stretch of an epic 1,200-mile sponsored walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising money for a charity which has helped improve her friend’s life.

Miryam Innes is currently hiking solo in a remote part of Scotland, following the Cape Wrath Trail, after which she will head for her journey’s end at John O’Groats, all the while raising funds for the Gauchers Association.

The charity supports Miryam’s close friend Maddie Stoodley, formerly of Dursley, who has Gauchers Disease, a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no treatment.

Miryam Innes, a former Rednock student, left Cam and Dursley train station, her backpack loaded with supplies and equipment, and began her solo hike across the length of the UK on June 28.

This incredible journey on foot took her through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Avon, South Gloucestershire, Wales and the Midlands before finding herself facing the Pennine Way and into Scotland.

Before setting off on the final leg in the Scottish highlands, Miryam said she was feeling slightly nervous, as the area is one of the most remote and wild places in the UK, with little if any phone reception.

“The nerves are kicking in because I’ve never hiked anywhere this remote before, definitely not solo,” she said.

“Shops, roads, pubs and people become sparse and the paths will sort of disappear. I’ll be doing river crossings and navigating with a map and compass, old school style.”

But now she’s there, she says it’s ‘absolutely magical’, and ‘dotted with herds of deer, crystal clear streams and big mountains’.

She has had to navigate challenging terrain and apply her skills to negotiating hill and mountain climbs and river crossings, including having to wade waist deep through a sea loch.

She has around 300 miles left of more than 1300 miles before she arrives at her destination.

When asked how she keeps motivated when the obstacles are huge, her reserves depleted, exhausted and in terrible weather conditions, she said: “I remember why I am doing this, to raise awareness of Gauchers and fundraise for the Gauchers Association, my friend Maddie is my inspiration.”

Tanya Collin-Histed, director of the Gauchers Association and mum to Maddie, said: “Despite a massive personal and physical challenge, Miryam always has a smile on her face and a beautiful photo of her amazing journey to share as we follow her progress. Using her adventure to raise awareness and funds for the Gauchers Association in support of her childhood friend Maddie is truly wonderful and I know Maddie is very touched by this.”

To donate to Miryam’s fundraiser visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/miryam-innes1

For more information on Gauchers and the only UK Charity supporting those living with a diagnosis of Gauchers you can find information here: gaucher.org.uk/