A remarkable mum who is walking all 7,500 miles of the UK coastline is arriving in Largs today (Friday, May 5).

Stella Parke has embarked on the incredible challenge for Anthony Nolan because of the amazing work they do, having saved her son's life twice.

Stella, who hails from Preston, began her epic trek on March 4 in a challenge which is expected to last 18 months.

The 66-year-old was camping at Portencross on Thursday evening as she embarks on the next leg of her adventure today - day 63.

The charity saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder by matching individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant.

Stella has set up a Just Giving and Facebook page for people to discover her means of adventure and donate towards the blood cancer charity.

She has raised more than £3,200 so far with the target goal being £10,000.

Stella, who retired in February, has always dreamed of taking on the challenge, walking the entirety of the UK coastline.

She told the New how she has been working as a nursery nurse, as well as being a mum to her children, foster mum and a carer for her mum, so finding the time to do it had been a real challenge.

However in June 2022, Stella’s life changed, when her son Simon relapsed with AML after three years in remission, and she found a real drive and determination to take this challenge on, in aid of Anthony Nolan.

The Anthony Nolan Trust were able to find another match for Simon on the stem cell register, and he received his second transplant recently. Whilst early days, Simon’s progress is looking positive, and Stella is determined to do something to help others, just like Simon.

Stella said: “I feel so lucky to have him, and that is down to Anthony Nolan. I don’t know how else to pay them back. There’s nothing I can do to pay back what I owe”.

Stella is keen to raise awareness of the stem cell register during her challenge, as well as fundraising.

She’s already met a young lady who is due to donate her stem cells this year, and is continuing to spread the word to everyone she meets. As she says, “Just do it! It’s a lot more simple than you think. Save somebody’s life, give them more life.”

Yesterday's walk spanned 11 miles from Stevenston to Portencross.

She said: "I walked through Ardrossan, onto West Kilbride, and loved the marina at Ardrossan.

"Had a really pleasant, easy walking day.

"Quite chilly here last night. My peculiar little sheltered spot at Portencross for camping worked out though, though the wind got stronger the tent survived. I got a pretty decent sleep too. 

"A morning's walk to Largs, then I have two nights' accommodation sorted."

To donate, go here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Blackpool2Blackpool

To follow Stella's progress with live updates go here