A YOUNG mum whose life was changed forever and became the focus of a BBC programme will now attempt a walking challenge with her friend and carer.

Charlotte Farley suffered a massive stroke when she was giving birth to her twin sons and despite being given a one per cent chance of survival, she pulled through, but the stroke caused brain damage, partial paralysis and loss of speech.

Charlotte and her husband Rob became the focus of nationwide attention when the BBC Programme, DIY SOS: The Big Build turned their modest Hereford Road house into a home specially fitted with aids to help Charlotte to be the mum she always wanted to be.

Now with the repeat programme to air this week, Charlotte and her friend and carer, Sonia Cutter, have decided to enter the Race for Life 5K marathon in July with Charlotte walking unaided for the duration of her walk.

It was during one of her regular physiotherapy sessions that the idea of entering was suggested by her nurse to give her something to aim for, and now Charlotte has been training for over a month on a treadmill.

They are raising money for Cancer Research as there is nowhere close enough to go to help raise funds for stroke units. Sonia said: “Charlotte is so determined she will do it there is no question of us backing out now”

For anyone that wishes to donate to Cancer Research and support their walk in Bute Park on 15th July, go to https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/charlotte-and-sonia or you can donate at the Gatehouse and the Cancer Research shop where donation buckets are being left.

You can also donate via the Cancer Research UK Facebook page.