Mum took on the Canalathon for Heart Research UK

Sarah Walton, of Adlington, took part in a 46 mile challenge, The Canalathon, to raise money for national charity Heart Research UK.

The event started in Sowerby Bridge and followed the canal to Oldham before returning to Sowerby Bridge.

Sarah, 37, lost her grandfather, Bernard Langton, 29 years ago, to a heart aneurism, aged 69, and her great grandfather, William Disley, four years ago, to a heart attack so raising money to help hearts has always been important to her.

A year ago, she was also diagnosed with her own heart condition, her heart valves weren’t coping well and it lead to dizzy spells and blackouts.

Her condition is now under control, although she has to go for regular scans, and she stays positive and active. As a Zumba instructor, she is very passionate about staying healthy and wants to encourage people who have heart conditions to keep their heart strong through exercise.

Sarah has raised almost £5,000 for Heart Research UK and has taken part in lots of fund-raising events including The Great North Run and a Zumbathon. This challenge is her biggest yet, she is running twice as far as a standard marathon and plans to finish the race in just 11 hours.

Sarah said: “This is going to be a “monster” challenge.

“I just love to help make a difference to those who need it and if me running 46 miles can raise as much as possible then every step I run will mean so much.”

To donate, go to http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sarah-Walton11To view one of Sarah's previous fund-raisers click here http://www.lep.co.uk/your-lancashire/chorley/a-song-for-the-heart-1-8234879