A LECHLADE woman who had to abandon an epic fundraising journey walking the length of the Thames Path in memory of a much-loved local GP Dr Ian Thomson, re-started the final leg this week, having already smashed her £1,000 target.

Clare Youngs, 37, set off from Oxford on Wednesday to walk the final 54 miles, and will arrive at the Ha’penny Bridge in Lechlade tomorrow at 1.30pm.

She will finish at the Source on Sunday, October 21.

Her walk began in September, and she was able to get 142 miles under her belt before blisters made walking impossible.

She wanted to complete what she had started, even though the original £1,000 target had been met, as she was keen to keep the momentum going and raise even more for Cancer Research UK.

Changeable weather left Clare having to make a quick decision to complete the final stage of the walk this week.

Clare now lives in London but grew up in Lechlade, where Dr Ian Thomson was her GP and her school doctor.

He and his family supported Cancer Research UK. Dr Thomson was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly before he was due to retire and died in 2016 while he was still in service.

Clare said: Clare said: “He took fantastic care of my family and was greatly admired and respected in Lechlade.

“I wanted to come up with a way to show my affection for Dr Thomson, that Lechlade residents and former patients had an opportunity to support. In recognition of everything that man did to look after his community’s well-being I thought an active challenge was the way forward.”

If anyone wants to say hello to Clare at the bridge or join her from Radcot on Friday they are more than welcome. Or people can join her for some of the way on Saturday morning.

You can sponsor Clare on fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/clares-giving-page-2169 or join her