A Sidmouth postie is swapping her round to take on the heights of Ben Nevis to raise money in memory of her husband.

Julie Long has already drummed up £1,700 in sponsorship for the Sidmouth Hospiscare Trust, which helped look after her spouse of 16 years, Graham, when he was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer.

The Manstone Avenue resident said she wanted to say a ‘big thank-you’ to the palliative care charity, by trekking up the highest mountain in the British Isles twice in two days.

The team at Sidmouth Hospiscare Trust has continued to support her family following Graham’s death in October last year – at the age of 52.

Mother-of-five Julie had initially set out to raise £500 and has been amazed by support from friends, family and customers.

She said: “I feel really strongly about this. It’s really helping me. They do a marvellous job and I cannot believe they rely on charity.

“It’s the aftercare; they help the families. I was really surprised by how much care they gave us.

“The follow-up is fantastic. You feel like you are not alone.

“I just want to give something back.”

The postwoman had already booked to walk up Ben Nevis with her friends, but decided to turn it into a fundraising challenge by trekking up it twice next weekend.

The walk will take up to 11 hours to complete each day, with the group of five setting off at five o’clock each morning.

As part of her job, Julie cycles to work and walks 13-and-a-half miles each day, which she says will prepare her for the challenge.

Julie said: “We go on lots of cliff walks. We are a fit family. That is why it was such a shock; he [Graham] was so fit. He was a great footballer.”

Sidmouth Hospiscare Trust volunteers help families and carers by sitting, befriending, driving and helping with bereavement.

Carrie Machin, office manager of Sidmouth Hospiscare Trust, said: “We aim to provide support to our patients during their illness and support their families, too. We are very lucky to have a wonderful team of nurses and brilliant volunteers.

“We admire Julie’s courage in taking on this enormous challenge. We thank Julie for raising funds for us and we wish her all the best for her weekend.”

To donate to Julie’s page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Julie-Long4?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20160428_68189