A WOMAN walking for a cancer charity was airlifted to hospital with a fractured ankle on Sunday.

A WOMAN walking for a cancer charity was airlifted to hospital with a fractured ankle on Sunday.

Understood to be in her late 30s, she is believed to have slipped while in woods near The Bowd, an hour into taking part in the Macmillan Autumn Challenge Walk.

On Wednesday Tricia Heard, chairman of Macmillan's Sidmouth fundraising committee which organised the 10 mile circuit, said: "The Sidmouth lady was walking by herself rather than in a group of walkers.

"I understand, having spoken to her mother, she should be released from hospital within two days."

She said Devon Air Ambulance landed in a nearby field and Sidmouth ambulance crew also attended.

The walker was lifted over a hedge to get to the helicopter.

Mrs Heard said precautions had been taken before the walk to ensure people had mobile phone reception and could be in contact with those at the registration point.

"You take whatever precautions you can but accidents do occur, I feel sure she would agree she got superb treatment."

Some 56 took part in the fundraising event, some accompanied by their dogs, and came from throughout Devon and Cornwall to brave a windy but bright morning.

A group of four colleagues from a Plymouth Co-Op store raised more than £500 for the charity and were walking in memory of one of the group's 19-year-old son who died of cancer.

Friends from Saltash who joined the walk, were delayed after having a puncture on the M5.

Mrs Heard will not know how much was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support for several weeks but believes it to be more than £1,000.

She said: "We are enormously grateful to all those who took part.

"We would also like to thank Sid Valley Rotary and Sidmouth Rotary for their assistance on the day it all helped towards a successful event.