A HOSPITAL employee will pull on her walking boots at the weekend to hike 30 miles through the Devon countryside along a picturesque former railway line to raise funds for Brighter Futures.

Jackie Baker, 52, who lives in Blunsdon and works as personal assistant to the director of human resources at the Great Western Hospital, will be joined by sister Tracey as she sets off from Barnstaple on the popular Tarka Trail route on Friday.

Jackie, who describes herself as a “regular walker”, said: “I wanted to do a sponsored walk as a good way of exercising and I thought it would be a good idea to do it for Brighter Futures

“Working in the hospital, I am aware of the funding issues and the need to provide such services as a radiotherapy unit.

“If people need treatment they have to go all the way to Oxford.

“It’s so much travelling and having a radiotherapy centre in Swindon will make such a difference to those suffering from cancer.”

Jackie and Tracey will head to Barnstaple in north Devon with the aid of Jackie’s partner Tony, who will be providing the logistical support.

Jackie, who has worked at the GWH for a little over a year, has been doing a fair bit of training in anticipation of the walk, so she’s confident it will be a challenge overcome without too many problems.

The pair walked the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal in Somerset at around 12 miles in total earlier this year, managing to do it in a very respectable five hours.

They also completed the 13 mile Bristol to Bath Railway Path ahead of their walk.

Jackie said: “I have been doing various walks all over Devon and Cornwall, though I’m getting a bit more nervous as it gets closer.

“You don’t realise the impact on your feet until you get going, but we have chosen this route because it’s all relatively flat and level.

“It should be really enjoyable and it’s meant to be excellent weather.”

Jackie will be walking along a purpose-built cycle track over three days, stopping for lunch and refreshments along the way.

The sisters aim to trek for around five hours each day and will be staying in a hotel along the route of the 31-mile trek inland from Braunton on the north Devon coast.

Speaking about her fundraising target, Jackie said: “I don’t have a target in mind, whatever comes in would be great.”

So far £1,500,000 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support. To donate, log on to: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.