Despite failing health, garage boss Dawn Ayres, 58, is determined to step out for her final Starlight Walk around Watford on Saturday.

She has arthritis and weakened cartilage in her knees but has defied doctor’s orders and turned her health around to walk the walk and raise funds for Peace Hospice Care.

Dawn, a director of Bushey Hall Garage, has been on every Starlight Walk, and motivated many friends to get involved and support the hospice that is close to her heart. She knows this is her last walk and wants to make it a night to remember with her friend Pam Miles.

The dynamic duo will be stepping out together and while Dawn will complete the six mile route, Pam will push on for 13 miles. 

Dawn said: "I have never been a person to accept defeat. I was told that I should do no walking this year and I channelled my energies into proving the experts wrong.

"I have been training and seeing a chiropractor and having acupuncture. I wanted to turn things around.

"Peace Hospice Care means the world to me and has done for many years. I just wanted to make one more walk."

While Dawn and Pam make their all important Starlight journey, their husbands and Pam's son will be volunteer marshals on the route.

She added: "This is my last walk but I will always be involved with the hospice and will be offering my services to the Starlight team next year.  I hope the night raises 100k. That is the aim."

There is still time to register for the Starlight Walk and make a difference to Peace Hospice Care by visiting www.starlightwalk.org.uk.

Registrations are also available on the night from 7pm at The Colosseum. Walkers set off at 9pm and they will be waved off by comedian and TV personality Brian Conley.