HASLEMERE resident Tracy Smithers is taking on the London Marathon Walk 2017 this weekend, in loving memory of her grandmother.

Tracy (pictured) will also be putting her best foot forwards to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association when she takes on the 26-mile course, on Saturday.

She was inspired to take up the challenge after her grandmother had a stroke and died in November 2015.

“My grandmother was 100 years old when she passed away,” Tracy told The Herald.

“It was terribly sad but we have so many lovely memories of her that we will always treasure.

“I’m raising funds for the Stroke Association to help raise awareness of this terrible condition. I’m now so much more aware of strokes and want others to be too.

“My training has been going really well, I have surprised myself, and discovered my love of walking. I have walked some beautiful routes, and have already managed a couple of 18 mile walks.

“I’m really looking forward to the day now, and I know grandma will be watching down on me.”

Becky Beard, community and events fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital that we have people like Tracy to help raise funds.

“We’re incredibly grateful to her for choosing to support the Stroke Association; the money raised will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, and their families and carers, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”

• If you would like to sponsor Tracy, visit: www. justgiving.com/tracy-smithers1