24-hour hike in memory of Thatcham mum

Sarah Smith, aged 22, will join 23 others, including TV presenter Matt Johnston, to trek 15 of the highest mountains in Wales, including Mount Snowdon.
She was motivated to embark on the feat and raise awareness for mental health charities following the death of her mum, Theresa Smith, who took her own life following a battle with severe depression in 2013.
Along with another group embarking on the challenge – who will take on mountains in the Lake District – they aim to raise £50,000 for Mind, after the charity said calls to its hotline had increased by 55 per cent in two years.
The money raised will help fund training for more advisors.
Miss Smith said: “I know how vital the work Mind does is in providing advice and support and how important it is that every call is taken.
“Without the work of Mind and other mental health charities people simply would not have anywhere to turn.
“My mum was a keen walker and this challenge reminds me of something she would have done.
“I wish she could see me now, planning my weekends around the best place to go walking.
“She would not have believed that at 22 I’d be planning my first walking holiday on the Kent coast, rather than jetting off for some sun.
“She completed a similar challenge herself, the Moon Walk in London, walking the same distance as a marathon through the streets of London to raise money for breast cancer.”
Miss Smith wants to raise £650 herself, £520 of which needs to be raised by March 6.
To help her reach her goal, she has organised a cake sale on Sunday, March 1 at 3pm, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Hall, Thatcham, where her mum was an active part of the congregation.
In addition, you can make a donation online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahSmithMind3000