A DEDICATED fundraiser from Bude has marked two decades of raising money for charity by tackling 100km on foot.

In 2006, Steph Jones-Giles set herself the challenge of walking from Penzance to Falmouth to raise money for Animal Free Research UK. Ten years on, she took on a ‘sponsored slim’, once again raising money for the charity. This year marks 20 years since Steph first took on these challenges, and 11 years since she founded the Bude supporters group of Animal Free Research UK. For Steph, there is only one way to celebrate, raising even more money for charity.

During May, she has been raising money for a cause close to her heart, conquering 100km once again.

She said: “I am 20 years older with a heart condition which causes atrial fibrillation, and I take blood thinners. I decided that walking from my home would allow me to undertake the same distance in the same timeframe but with some sensible flexibility in the day.”

Steph has spent years bringing people together to support animal‑free science. Living with Atrial Fibrillation, and after losing both parents and brother to heart disease, she decided to raise funds for research led by Dr Adjanie Patabendige, investigating the link between irregular heart rhythm and dementia.

Steph says "20 years ago I walked the 100km from Penzance to Falmouth on the coastal path over five days. I choose a challenge every 10 years and so I decided this year to embark on the same distance and timeframe but to base myself in Bude. My friend Michelle Maddern agreed to walk with me.”

However, on the very first day, crisis struck, an injury which could have derailed the entire challenge

“On the first day a knee injury flared up and I seriously thought the challenge may be over,” explained Steph.

But thanks to the kindness and support of a local physiotherapist and Steph’s determination and grit, she was able to continue and raise funds for the cause.

“The kindness of Physiotherapist Emma Freeman saved the day,” said Steph. “She visited me the next morning and evening to treat my injury at no charge and with this alongside walking poles I was able to continue. I have received the most incredible support from the community and could not have done this without that and Michelle's positivity and great company"

With May marking World Animal Free Research Day, while Steph and Michelle took off their charity t-shirts after their gruelling 100km challenge, more than 30 businesses across Bude showed their support by donning the shirt and promoting the cause.

Steph says: "I want to thank everyone who took part. The sea of turquoise across the town showing support for this cause is truly wonderful to see."

Despite having some very sore feet, Steph says that it has all been worth it. With a little help from Michelle, she has raised well over £4,000 through her challenge, funds which will support this vital research.

Donations can still be made to the cause via: www.justgiving.com/page/stephanie-jones-giles-4