THE loss of her best friend to cancer inspired a Poole businesswoman to undertake a 550-mile walk in aid of two charities.

Lynn Butterworth set off on April 10 to start the 800-year-old Way of St James pilgrimage route through northern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the apostle are said to be buried.

Her rucksack contained a tube of sand from Sandbanks beach and a stone presented to her by Mayor Carol Evans.

Poole used to be a major starting point for English pilgrims and the scallop shell seen around the town is a symbol of St James.

Many pilgrims still leave a stone from their home town at a cross called Cruce de Ferro to represent the unburdening of their worries as they prepare for the final stage of the camino.

After reaching Santiago, Lynn pressed on to Finisterre (the Spanish Land’s End), where pilgrims traditionally threw their wordly belongings into the sea and cleansed themselves in the Atlantic, before ending the walk back in Santiago.

She funded the journey herself, so every penny raised in sponsorship will go to Autism Wessex and Target Ovarian Cancer, charities supported by Poole Rotary Club and also Soroptimist International Poole.

Lynn, who is a member of both organisations, is dedicating her challenge to Elaine McGuinness, who died in February last year at the age of 44, following an eight year fight against ovarian cancer.

“Elaine never complained that she was sick and never lost hope that she’ll be well again.

“Her courage and resilience were incredible,” recalled Lynn.

“Even towards the end she was able to laugh and enjoy her friends and family. She was a wonderful person.

“The walk was my way of trying to do something good in her memory.”

Lynn completed the route in just under 40 days starting at St Jean Pied de Port in France, across the Pyrenees into Spain before taking the inland route, staying in hostels on the way.

Lynn adds: “It was incredibly hard on my feet as I was carrying everything in a backpack, but in terms of scenery it was everything I’d dreamed it would be.”

To donate online see justgiving.

com/1000000stepsforTOC or justgiving.comPoole Rotary/500milesforAutism Wessex.