Sheer grit and determination is helping this woman - who was told she would never walk again - to tackle a 20k challenge.

Jo Jo Spedding, of Egremont, defied the odds to walk again after an horrific road accident eight years ago. 

The accident left Jo Jo with major injuries and she was in a coma for 19 days.

It has been a long road to recovery as she has gone from being wheelchair-bound to learning to walk again.

The 27-year-old completed a 10k walk in January and is now doubling the distance, this time in aid of charity.

Trish Spedding says she is "immensely proud" of her daughter who started the challenge on Tuesday.

She is raising cash for Headways, an organisation that helps people understand more about brain injury. 

This is a cause close to the family's heart as Jo Jo sustained multi bone fractures and damaged stem cell, in the road accident, which resulted in brain injury.

Trish said: "It's horrendous for any mother to go through what we went through. Eight years down the line this is a massive achievement."

She said her daughter's determination is an inspiration to others. 

Jo Jo, who lives with her parents Trish and Norman, will be completing the walk in stints on a treadmill at Seascale Community Fitness Gym at the Windscale Club. 

She is being supported by her family and members of the community.