A WOMAN is setting off on a pilgrimage to raise awareness of the illness which killed her nephew.

Beverley Ashley-Walker, from Bowershott in Letchworth GC, is setting off for Spain, and will begin a trek along part of the Camino de Santiago on Friday.

She’s taking on the challenge to raise awareness of melanoma, which her nephew, Shaun, passed away from in 2010 aged 24.

“Melanoma is such an awful thing for youngsters,” said Beverley.

“I have never thought of cancer as a death word but after seeing Shaun deteriorate in just four months from being a very fit young man playing football twice a week and having two jobs, it is hell.

“We need to make GPs and youngsters more aware. I still see youngsters rubbing in cooking oil in the sunshine. You only need to have been red once or have over 20 moles/freckles to be at risk.”

Beverley hopes to walk 100 miles of the 350 mile route to raise money for ACT. The charity provides funding at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

She hopes to walk between 15 and 20 miles each day, over a period of six days

“I am leaving my husband and 13-year-old son and walking with no phone or iPod, as I hope to feel the true pilgrimage,” she added.

“I have walked nearly every evening and nearly covered every road in Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock. I am really looking forward to it, but am slightly nervous too.”

To sponsor Beverley, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Beverley-Ashley-Walker