A WOMAN who suffered a stroke eight years ago is set to fulfil her dream of walking up to Darwen Tower.

Margaret Kelly, 49, of Radford Street, Darwen, moved to the town six years ago and has always wanted to complete the famous walk.

Now she has decided to fight through the pain and for charity.

She said: "My plan is just to take my time even if it takes me all day."

The left side of her body was left weakened by the stroke and she struggles to walk long distances.

But she has been persuaded by friend Karen Murray, 46, of Minster Crescent, to do the walk.

Karen, 46, aims to take part in a challenge trek in Tibet in 2007 for Children Today and arranged the walk to the tower as part of her fundraising activities.

Margaret, whose two teenage daughters often walk up to the tower, said: "I am a lot slower than before and people often end up walking ahead of me but I eventually get there.

"I mentioned to Karen I'd always wanted to walk to the tower and she said she would go with me. I've never done that distance before."

Karen, who has done various activities for charity, is hoping other people will join them on the sponsored walk to the tower on June 11, setting off from the Sunnyhurst Wood kiosk at 2.30pm.

She said: "I was thinking of other ways to raise money for the charity trek in Tibet next year. This way we're helping each other out.

"Margaret doesn't know if she's going to make it but she is determined to do it unaided. We hope other people will join us."

Karen is manager of the Rhubarb Cafe, in Blackburn's tourist information centre, and Margaret is a shop assistant in the gift area.

Children Today provides equipment for disabled children.

Anyone who wants to get involved or sponsor Karen and Margaret should ring Karen on 01254 582382 or 07966 532450.