MUD, traffic and miles were all racked up during a 24-hour trek in aid of the 160 Appeal.

Adver report Liz Mackley and fitness expert Ronny Terry set out from the Kiss Gyms, in Princes Street, Swindon, at 7.45am yesterday for their road-based fund-raiser.

After more than five hours on the road, reporter Liz said the pair were enjoying the challenge and were prepared for the hard miles that lay ahead.

“It’s been all right,” she said. “But I’ve nearly died several times. The road between Wroughton and Royal Wootton Bassett is quite busy.

“I twisted my ankle and I’ve fallen over several times.”

However, the pair, who trained hard in the weeks and months leading up to the marathon effort, were making good progress.

“So far, nearly a quarter of the way through, we’ve walked 26 kilometres,” Liz said. “We’ve walked at quite a pace.”

Among the stops on the walk was the focus of the trek, Prospect Hospice, where a group of supporters turned out to encourage the pair.

They also stopped at Dorcan Academy and Lydiard Park, where the duo got to enjoy a treat.

“I’m eating an ice cream,” said Liz. “But we have been eating and keeping our energy levels up.

“It’s not been too bad so far. I am feeling my legs a bit, but it’s not too bad.

“The hard work and training we did before has stood us in good stead.”

The walking warriors were set to make their way back to Kiss Gyms in the evening, where they would continue their walk on machines to avoid the cold night.

Liz and Ronny’s effort is their second fundraiser for the appeal, with 25-year-old Liz having already lost three stone in three months, with the help of the personal trainer, before completing a sponsored skydive.

To donate to the cause, log on to www.justgiving.com/24hour walkfromhell.