An 86-year-old has walked 70km over a month to fundraise for a Christian charity close to her heart.

Elsie Peel, who is also undergoing chemotherapy, took part in the 70K in May challenge to fundraise for Christian Aid and managed to raise over £900.

It's an idea that is designed to foster solidarity with millions who have to walk long distances for clean water or to earn money.

The pensioner from Bolton said: “I decided to do this because I feel we’re fortunate in this country – so many others around the world are pushed to the brink of survival.

“Christian Aid has done so much to empower people, and especially women, in many countries and I believe it needs all our support to keep up this work.

“I walked 70k locally, round Doffcocker Lodge (in Bolton) and enjoyed getting out in nature. There was the extra challenge of undergoing chemotherapy but the doctors said I should get plenty of exercise so I thought this was a good way to do it."

She continued: “I’m really pleased to say I raised £903 and would like to thank everyone who sponsored me.”

The money raised during Christian Aid Week will help the organisation’s partners help vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

This year’s appeal focussed on work in Burundi, a densely populated country where more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

Christian Aid began in 1945 and was founded by the British and Irish churches to help refugees following the Second World War. They now provide humanitarian relief and long-term development support for poor communities around the world.