IT is on to the next challenge for reporter Liz Mackley who, after shedding no fewer than three stone and tackling a skydive for the 160 Appeal, is poised to embark on a 24-hour walk in a show of support for terminally-ill patients across Swindon.

In June, the 25-year-old signed up to jump out of plane for Prospect Hospice. Little did she know that her generous move would backfire and that she would have to lose more than 20 kilos just for the privilege.

But against all odds she succeeded in just three months thanks to personal trainer-come-emotional crutch, counsellor and full-time motivator Ronny Terry.

Now on a healthier path, the new and improved fitness-obsessed Liz will join Ronny on October 31 for a 12-hour walk across Swindon followed by a 12-hour indoor session on the treadmill at Kiss Gyms - or around 35 miles.

Already the pair have surpassed their £500 fundraising target and are now aiming to reach the £1,500 mark for the hospice.

“I knew we could reach £500 but I did think we’d have to work for it a bit so the fact we’ve already smashed that is great news,” said Ronny, who runs Switch Fit UK. “We had a fantastic £500 donation from British Telecom so we are hoping that will spur on other businesses in the area on to donate to this fantastic cause.

“A huge thanks to Graham Mills and all the BT Charity Fund for their £500 donation.

“We have created a new target of £1,500. It’s ambitious but we are determined to reach it. I just hope now we’ll continue to do well and raise as much as we possibly can.”

He added: “It’s been overwhelming, the amount of support we’ve already received in such a short space of time.

“We will start at the Swindon Advertiser offices at 8am on October 31 and walk a 30-35 mile route around the outskirts of Swindon in the day, and complete the night portion on treadmills at Kiss Gym.”

While determined not to be defeated, seeing her professional trainer step up his exercise regime has left Liz shaking in her walking boots.

“It has been pretty tough getting ready for the walk,” she said. “I mean, I did think that once I’d done the skydive I might be off the hook, but I guess I’m a bit of a sucker for punishment.

“I know Ronny has had to step up his training too, which is a bit concerning. I don’t really think I thought the whole thing through properly when I agreed to it, 24 hours is a very long time and not exactly your average walk in the park.

“There’s already been some ups and downs but I’m really trying to focus on getting as fit as I can in the next five weeks and lose as much weight as I can to make life a little less tricky.”

  • To sponsor Liz and Ronny visit www.justgiving.com/24hourwalkfromhell.
  • For more about Switch Fit UK, visit www.switchfituk.co.uk.