A grandmother recovering from spinal surgery will walk 11 miles along the coast to support people diagnosed with a rare disorder.

The distance from Rhyl to Colwyn Bay is the longest Lisa Jones, 48, has trekked for some years and will be made harder by her arthritis amid the cold January weather.

She hopes to raise donations for the charity Amy and Friends, set up on behalf of Amy Garton-Hughes, from Flintshire, who died from cockayne syndrome aged 28.

Amy died on January 1 this year from the recessive DNA condition, which stopped her from walking at the age of 18 due to physical growth problems and severe pain.

The Leader: Amy Garton-hughes and her brother Ben in 2019.Amy Garton-hughes and her brother Ben in 2019.

Amy Garton-hughes and her brother Ben at a popular Children in Need fundraiser in 2019.

“Amy was always happy no matter what she was going through and that is what has inspired me during my recovery,” said Mrs Jones, grandmother of two.

“I’m still in a lot of pain but if Amy could go through what she had to without complaining then I can too.”

Mrs Jones, a keen dog walker, became less active after being diagnosed with arthritis in several joints two years ago, however this summer matters were made worse after she fell backwards in her garden and fractured her spine.

She spent five days in Glan Clwyd Hospital and nine at the Royal Stoke University Hospital where she received surgery and “fantastic” care, and it was during those days on the hospital bed that she decided to walk for Amy’s charity.

“I was wondering what I could do before the accident because this year has been a difficult moment for many charities like Amy and Friends,” said Mrs Jones. “Then I had plenty of time to think about things in hospital, what I could do that’s more challenging than anything I’ve done before, and realised I this was it.

“The recovery has been a long haul but if Amy cannot moan then I can just get up. It is the only thing that kept me going at times.”

She will take on the walk starting at Rhyl Marine Bridge with support from husband Tony and son Nathan, 15.

During her action-packed life Amy inspired many people whom she met, which included famous faces such as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne and royals including the Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice.

Her name is also on the BBC One Show Rickshaw Challenge bike after brother Ben took part to raise funds for Children in Need.

The charity Amy and Friends, which has 30 volunteers in North Wales made up of parents and families who have been supported themselves, has continued its work during the pandemic by issuing over 1,000 activity packs, food hampers and helping families to get bereavement counselling and welfare payments.

Amy’s mum Jayne, who runs the Time To Be Me care group in Rhyl where her and Mrs Jones first met, said: “Amy met so many people during her life but the people she loved most was regular people who like to help others.

“She wanted to do anything that involved excitement and fun but she also loved just being with somebody and having a cuppa.

“When Lisa fell and broke her back it seemed like she would have to slow down. While to some people 11 miles might not sound very far, to someone who has a health condition it is an amazing achievement.

“Lisa is inspirational for doing it.”

Donate to Mrs Jones’ fundraising page by clicking here.