Territorial volunteer gains strength for marathon walk from Army training

And the 49-year-old will be hoping her Army training pays off as she tackles the longest leg of the second Jane Tomlinson Walk for All in the Dales – 26 miles.

Ms Jones has been a supporter of the Jane Tomlinson appeal for a number of years, having worked in Leeds when Mrs Tomlinson was battling against the odds to raise money for charity while suffering from terminal cancer.

She usually takes on the 10k Run for All in York but this year decided to up the ante, spurred on by the annual fitness test she has to do for her job at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

“I used to work with Leeds City Council in Leeds just as the Jane Tomlinson events were starting up,” she said.

“In fact I was working there when Jane was actually doing events herself.

“I remember thinking if she can do it when she is so ill and then I can do it when I am reasonably fit and healthy.”

Ms Jones has participated in long-distance walks with her Territorial Army unit and has been building up the miles in recent weeks, ready for the big push tomorrow.

“I really enjoy walking anyway and love to get out in the countryside,” she added. “At the moment it looks like it will be dry, I just hope it will not be too warm.”

Ms Jones will be taking part for Macmillan Cancer Support, accompanied by friend and gym partner Chris Carrick, who works at the base in a civilian role.

The inaugural Walk for All raised thousands for charity, and many of those who took part will be returning on Sunday when walkers will set out on one of three circular routes, five, 14 or 26 miles, starting and ending in Settle, while wheelchair and pushchair users will embark on a route around Malham Tarn.

Yorkshire Post competition winner John Turner will be among those doing the 14-miles, the third of the four challenges he won.

Mr Turner, 34, has worked with Leeds personal trainer James Hirst and has been so successful he has now set his sights beyond the final event next month - the 26-mile Walk for All in the Lake District – and doubled the number of challenges he has taken on to eight.

“I’ve been working with James for six months and have seen amazing results,” he said.