A TEAM of intrepid walkers braved Saturday’s wind and rain to cover over 20 miles in aid of a much loved terminally ill friend and relative.

The group, made up of people of all ages with some so young that they made the journey in pushchairs, were raising money to help 34-year-old Charlene Blackwell fulfil her final wish list.

Charlene was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago but successfully fought off the disease, much to the delight of her friends and family.

But earlier this year they got the heart-breaking news that the cancer had returned, and this time it was terminal.

Not one for giving up, Charlene came up with a bucket list – a set of dream goals to keep fighting for.

Her friends, family and colleagues from Tesco where she works, have jumped on board to help make those dreams a reality.

Saturday’s ambitious walk was part of that effort.

Tesco store manager and friend of Charlene, Jodie Andrews, came up with the idea.

“I heard she had been diagnosed again and wanted to do some fundraising,” said Jodie.

“I just thought why not a sponsored walk between all the stores – Tesco is where we all met and we’ve moved around to a lot of the stores so it made sense.”

The group, around 20 people, set off from the Tesco Express in Liden early on Saturday morning before making their way to Wroughton and then on to Freshbrook, Ramleaze, Abbeymeads and Priory Vale.

They returned to the Liden Community Centre following their walk for a well-earned opportunity to dry off, put their feet up and enjoy a glass of wine or two.

But the fundraising efforts didn’t stop there – with a raffle featuring some great prizes, a head shave and even a beard shave rounding off the evening.

The money from an online fundraising campaign, collections in Tesco stores and walk sponsorship was collected together ready for the big reveal with hopes that they may even pass £5,000.

That money will go a long way to helping Charlene get married, see the Northern Lights and have a holiday with her 14-year-old son Jack who bravely led the walk on Saturday.

Another colleague, Lisa Cornwell, who helped to organise the event, said she was delighted that so many people had turned out despite the poor weather.

She added that it was a testament to the way that people felt about their friend and colleague.

“Charlene is the nicest person you could meet,” said Lisa.

“She’s such a lovely girl and so popular. She will do anything for anyone. She has so many friends who have reached out to us to help her.

“We want to help Charlene do everything she possibly can. It’s about making memories with her family and especially her son. She wants to have a special holiday with him so we really hope we can make that wish come true.”

To donate to help Charlene’s dreams come true you can visit https://www.gofundme.com/2yp2qrw4