A 98-year-old woman has completed a 55-mile trek just months after she broke her ribs falling off a pony.

Dr Margaret Bradshaw has been walking a mile a day since her birthday on January 4.

The nonagenarian refuses to put her feet up with a cuppa like most her age, and instead plans to continue her daily walks despite completing her challenge on Monday (February 26).

Margaret, a dedicated naturalist, crossed the finish line and celebrated with a slice of cake in her home village of Eggleston, near Barnard Castle, County Durham having raised more than £3,500.

Friend Julia Nelson said: “She’s always keen on keeping fit.

The Northern Echo: Dr Margaret Bradshaw at the end of her 55-mile walk.Dr Margaret Bradshaw at the end of her 55-mile walk. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Last year she fell off a pony and broke her ribs. She’s not riding at the moment but wants to get back on the pony soon.

“Her idea of relaxing would be to go out and to be observing and recording the rare flora.

“Having been doing it for nearly two months she said she’s really enjoyed it and she wants to continue.

“She said she feels much fitter than she did at the start.

In 2021 she completed the same 55 mile journey on horseback.

The Northern Echo: Margaret doing the journey on horseback in 2021.Margaret doing the journey on horseback in 2021.

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Margaret has dedicated her life to preserving rare and endangered plants in Teesdale, County Durham. Her 55 mile, or 88km, route follows the perimeter of the area she’s been recording.

The funds raised on the trek will go to her charity the Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust, so it can continue work surveying and protecting the dale’s unique assemblage of plants including blue spring gentian and hoary rock-rose.

Donations can be made via the Teesdale Special Flora website or Just Giving page.