Cancer survivor Val Simpson will tackle an eight mile walk around Bowood in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on September 8.

The walk is part of a national campaign named Miles for Macmillan, and thousands of other fundraisers will take part in walks across the country on the same day.

Mrs Simpson, 52, from Kington St Michael, was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine check-up in April 2011. Between May 2011 and October 2012 she endured two operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Herceptin treatment.

She suffered serious complications when she discovered she had diverticulitis, a digestive disease which led to constipation and caused her bowel to perforate.

Mrs Simpson, who was treated at Bath RUH and the Bristol oncology centre, said: “With the first chemotherapy treatment I was admitted to hospital as I was so dehydrated, and they started me on a new course.

“During the second one I needed two units of blood, and during the third I had another perforation and ended up back in hospital.

“I tend to be a positive person so I focussed on what I had to be thankful for in spite of all the problems.

“When I had any treatment, I got the Macmillan information, which was very helpful, especially as they kept changing my chemo treatments. Information on the PICC line and radiotherapy was also very helpful.”

Mrs Simpson will be supported during the event by family and friends, including her husband Bill and her 19-year-old daughter Cara.

She has collected over £500 for Macmillan so far with the help of staff at the village pub, The Jolly Huntsman, who have put up posters and a collection pot at the bar.

Mrs Simpson said: “I would encourage others to take part in Miles for Macmillan. I want as many people as possible to be able to have the same support I enjoyed.”

The walk starts at 11am and has a sign-up fee of £10. Walkers can choose between two routes of three miles and eight miles. To register, call 0300 1000 200 or go to www.macmillan.org.uk/walks To sponsor Mrs Simpson visit www.justgiving.com/ valerie-simpson450