A MUM who has recently completed radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer is now undertaking a 100-mile charity walk supported by her daughters.

Karen Kirkham lost her mother Susan to invasive bowel cancer which spread to her liver and lungs in November 2019.

In March this year, Karen, an assistant headteacher at Intack Primary School in Blackburn, was diagnosed with breast cancer and began treatment at Royal Preston Hospital.

When she completed her radiotherapy and was able to ring the bell, Karen embarked on a 100-mile walk to raise money for charity Breast Cancer Now and to say thank you to the NHS for everything that has been done for her over the last 12 months.

Her two young daughters, Zahra, 13, and Miriam, 11 - both students at Haslingden High School - are supporting her.

Karen, from Haslingden, said: “We have managed to raise £515 so far, despite setting a target of £150. I've been blown away by people’s support.”

Zahra said: “We started walking last week and will complete the 100 miles by the end of October.

“We have already done 25 miles and completed a walk around Entwistle Reservoir. As soon as mum got the all clear we began walking.”

Miriam said: “We will also be walking around Rossendale, in the Grane Road area and over the hills and nearby reservoirs.

“We have a Hungarian Vizsla dog called Winston who is 17 months old so we are used to going on walks.

“We usually walk for about two to two-and-a-half hours. We want to raise awareness and money to help other families.”

Last year Miriam and Zhara’s older sister Aisha set herself a reading challenge to raise money in memory of her grandma Susan.

Through her reading, she raised £621 for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in her memory. Both Aisha and Miriam have been treated by the team in Manchester.

Karen added: “This challenge is about getting as many people as possible active and involved in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and care.

“Breast Cancer Now is a charity that's steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care.

“They are here for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future.

“They believe that they can change the future of breast cancer and make sure that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with the disease lives – and is supported to live well.”