SPRIGHTLY pensioner cousins Marie Holt and Marian Smith put their best feet forward to complete a gruelling 127 mile marathon canal walk to raise more than £300 for research into leukaemia.

A night spent on a narrow boat and regular soaking of feet with surgical spirit were two things the pair were not expecting as they tackled the banks of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal in eight days.

"Our limbs were aching on the first day but the problem after that was blisters on our feet. They were agony and at every stop-off along the way we were searching for plasters," said Marian. "Apart from that, we had a wonderful time and met a lot of lovely people.

One night we couldn't find a bed and breakfast so a man we met along the way said we could sleep in his narrow boat!"

Eanam Wharf, Blackburn was a resting point for Rossendale Leukaemia Group member Marie, 62, of Scotland Place, Ramsbottom, and Marian, 63, of Ash Lane, Great Harwood.

Cash raised from the sponsored event will be donated to the Leukaemia Research Fund, a disease which claimed the life of Marie's husband, Harry.

Marian's daughter-in-law Judith Smith said: "Everyone is very proud of them. It is a great challenge - especially at their age."

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