An ex servicewoman from Cumbria is preparing to repeat a charity walk she did before becoming an amputee.

Bethany Barnes, a former soldier who was diagnosed with bone cancer, is set to take on a charity trek she completed before losing her leg to the disease.

The initial walk, which took place around Ennerdale Water in the Lake District after her diagnosis in December 2019, and raised an impressive £4,700 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Ms Barnes hopes that by reproducing this effort post-surgery, she can mark the end of her cancer journey.

News and Star: Bethan did the first walk after finding out about her cancer

She has said, "I’m hoping to finish off my cancer story this summer by completing the same walk I started with to support this amazing charity.

"I have been so lucky to have my first born, Rhea, during the three years I was clear of cancer, which I am forever blessed for.

"We have all been given another shot at life and can learn to adapt to our limitations, which is a message I hope to convey through this challenge.”

Her journey began at the age of 22 when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer among children and young adults.

News and Star: Bethan is taking on the challenge for the second time

Treatment involved nine months of MAP chemotherapy followed by a delicate operation that saw her right hip, knee and thigh bone replaced with a metal prosthesis.

However, ten months after the birth of her daughter Rhea, in October 2023 Ms Barnes was hit with the news of a recurrence of osteosarcoma in her hip.

This resulted in a significant operation that removed part of her pelvis and a leg, and ultimately led to her medical discharge from a career in the Royal Navy she had maintained since 2014.

Xanthe Hopkinson, regional relationship manager at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said: "We are so in awe of Bethany’s strength and determination to continue raising vital funds and awareness.

"The money raised from her remarkable efforts will help us ensure that more patients are able to survive and thrive beyond their diagnosis.

"Bethany’s determination to improve outcomes for future patients is truly inspiring, and we would like to say a heartfelt thank you and wish her all the best for the next walk."

Supporters can contribute to Bethany’s fundraiser via her GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/f/to-hopefully-finish-off-my-cancer-story.

Not merely raising funds, Bethany is also sharing her journey as part of the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s Teenage & Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month campaign to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of primary bone cancer.

For more information about osteosarcoma or to seek support when dealing with primary bone cancer, visit www.bcrt.org.uk/information/information-by-type/osteosarcoma or contact the Bone Cancer Research Trust Support & Information Service on 0800 111 4855.

You can also email them on support@bcrt.org.uk for further assistance.