A BIRTHDAY girl put her best foot forward as she completed a coast-to-coast challenge for charity.

Alison Whittaker wanted to mark her 50th birthday in a special way so decided to complete the 192-mile walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay with her friend Cate Meagher.

The pair finished the mammoth walk in just 13 days.

Miss Whittaker, who lives in Moorfield Grove, Tonge Moor, said the challenge was something she had always wanted to do.

She added: “It had always been on my bucket list but as more of a pipe dream than anything, then last year I was walking with Cate and we saw a sign for the coast-to-coast walk and I just said ‘do you fancy doing that’?”

The animal-enthusiast decided to raise money for the Dogs for the Disabled charity ahead of completing the walk and has so far raised about £670.

Miss Whittaker, who works at Belvoir Lettings in Bromley Cross, said she had received terrific support during her challenge.

She added: “Everyone has been really generous and supportive from family and friends to everyone at work.

“I am so glad that I have done this, it was a brilliant experience and we got to see some stunning scenery along the way — me and Cate are good friends and aside from the occasional bit of grumpiness, we got along great — and we are still talking to each other which is a good sign.”

“My legs are a bit sore but I’m feeling good, sometimes it was more of a psychological challenge — when you are walking for 22 miles across relentless flat fields it can be quite tough.”

The 50-year-old said she is already considering her next challenge.

She added: “I am keen to do another long distance walk, probably a different route though, I really like the idea of getting up each day with a different challenge to face.”