A GUTSY Halesowen nurse is in training for a mammoth 100km walk to raise money for national charity Blind Veterans UK.

Alexandra Newton-Cox will be attempting the huge challenge for the second time, having first taken part in 2017.

Despite not training for last year’s London to Brighton event, the 33-year-old still managed to walk an incredible 87km, while also raising more than £600 for the charity which supports blind and vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

This year, Alexandra has already started her training and is determined to finish.

She said: “You really push your body to the limits. Even now, just the thought of doing it again makes me nervous. My hips are already aching and my stomach is doing flips. Don’t even get me started on the blisters!

“The good thing is that this year, I’ll have a friend with me, so it’ll be a completely different experience.

“The training is well underway, I’ve got a new set of socks and we’re ready to go, full steam ahead.

“What’s really kept me motivated is the amount of money I was able to raise last year. Even in my darkest hours, as I was sobbing and shuffling along, I kept my friends updated on Facebook and people were still so generous with their donations.

“It really spurred me on and I look forward to raising as much money as possible this time.”

Alexandra has long been aware of the support that Blind Veterans UK provides veterans living with sight loss due to her husband’s grandparents both benefitting from the charity.

She said: “They spent a lot of time at the training and rehabilitation centre in Llandudno and it made a huge difference to their lives, so I’m desperate to do whatever I can to lend my support.

“My husband is also part of the Royal British Legion Riders, who fundraise for the charity as a thank you for the support they provided in his grandparents’ care. My father, mother, uncles and grandfather all served too, so it’s safe to say I come from a military background and have great deal of appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in the Armed Forces.”

She is also calling for others to join her on the walk, adding: “Blind Veterans UK is just a truly amazing charity and it provides crucial support to ex-Service men and women. The added bonus is that it’s a great personal challenge. The sense of achievement is unparalleled, even if you don’t finish it.”

The walk will take place from July 7 to 8, and will see participants start off at the Hammersmith and Fulham Rugby Club, before crossing the North Downs, walking via woodland and small villages to Sussex and through the South Downs.

The £50 entrance fee includes lunch, dinner and breakfast at numerous rest stops, snacks and refreshments along the route and a free event t-shirt.

To support Alexandra’s quest and donate to Blind Veterans UK, visit www.justgiving.com/alex-newton-cox1, or for more about the event visit www.blindveterans.org.uk/100k.