A woman's battle with breast cancer has led to over 80 people pledging to join her on a walk to raise money for the hospital that cared for her.

Kerry Wilkinson, 44, of Galloway Close, Maryport, had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

She also suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and depression following the diagnosis and treatment.

She said: “I could not have done without the breast care staff or the counsellors at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

“They have been fantastic and as soon as I felt myself again I wanted to give something back.”

Kerry, a former publican at both the Crown in Senhouse Street, now Thomas Henry, and the Top Tap, decided to hold a sponsored 20k walk from Grasslot Welfare Club to Asda and back.

“I put something on Facebook thinking I might get about 20 people to join me and now have over 80. It has been overwhelming, she said.

She had said that if 20 people raised £100 each, she could donate £2,000 to the hospital.

But she added: “I think I already have £500 myself so I really don’t know how much we will raise now. I am so grateful.”

She has had another huge boost from her cousin, Alex Dockray, who works for transport and courier company TNT.

The company is raffling a night shift off with full pay to raise money for the cause.

Kerry and friends will begin their walk at 10am on September 17.

To donate, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/kerry-wilkinson or call 07926410142.