A walker has embarked on a coast-to-coast trek to help raise vital funds for research into cancer.

Julia Steele, from Menston, set off from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast with the aim of arriving at Robin Hood’s Bay, on the coast of Yorkshire 11 days later – a distance of 190 miles.

The 37-year-old is completing the challenge in memory of her father Geoffrey who died six years ago and will raise money and awareness for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

She is planning to camp for several nights during the walk and will carry all of her food, clothing and sleeping equipment as she makes her way along the route devised by British fell walker Alfred Wainwright, with her friend Jason Lynn.

“I love the outdoors and enjoy long distance walking, so I really wanted to complete the coast-to-coast walk this year,” Miss Steele said.

“I’m not worried about the mileage as I can walk for miles and miles, but we’ll be wild camping for most of the journey and I’ll be carrying my own rucksack, which weighs about 20kg.

“Camping and carrying our own bags will definitely up the game a little bit and make it more of a challenge, although as we make our way across the country I will be munching my way through my chocolate supplies, which should make things a bit easier.”

It is not the first time Miss Steele has got her walking boots on for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Last year she completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and raised more than £1,000.

Her mother Jenny has also been a member of the charity’s Wharfedale voluntary fundraising committee for more than 20 years.

“Yorkshire Cancer Research is a cause very close to my heart. So many people are affected by cancer and more needs to be done to find new treatments,” Miss Steele said.

“The walk will be a lovely way to remember my dad. I’m sure he would have done it with me if he was still here and would have been proud of me for completing it.

“He will definitely be my inspiration as I make my way across the country.”

She is being supported in her fundraising by Global Promise, a not-for-profit organisation which offers services to fundraisers free of charge.

To sponsor Julia Steele, go to justgiving.com/Julia-Steele21.