A St Ishmaels grandmother will set off from Cardigan next month on a 150 mile walk to raise money for, and awareness of, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Gwyn Hopkins suffered from ME for five years, she was bed bound for two years and then confined to a wheelchair.

She made a complete recovery by the end of 2003 which she attributes to complementary therapies, detoxifying her lifestyle and family support. Since her recovery she has walked over 870 miles for ME Research UK.

On her 64th birthday, June 10, Gwyn will set off from Cardigan Castle. Her walk will take her towards Lampeter, she will then travel up to Lake Bala and across to Llangollen. She will walk a minimum of 150 miles, carrying tent on her back and sleeping under canvas.

This will take the distance she has walked for the charity over the 1,000 mile threshold and will also be her last long distance charity walk.

"This walk is special to me because it will mean I'll have walked over 1,000 miles for charity since my recovery," said Gwyn.

"When asked why I do it, I say because I can and it's a joy to feel well and be out in nature again after spending years in bed.

"If I can help or inspire ME sufferers at the same time, that's great. I think ME sufferers are the forgotten people, often living between their own four walls with very little support or understanding.

"I was told I had very little hope of making a complete recovery and I want others to realise they should never give up."

Gwyn is happy to talk to ME sufferers and their carers about her experiences.

She hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity ME Research UK which funds biomedical research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (also known as ME/CFS) and related illnesses.

To find out more or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/GwynethHopkins or text GHME88 then the amount (£1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or £10) to 70070.

For more information about Gwyn's recovery from ME visit http://www.gwynhopkins.co.uk/.