INSPIRATIONAL fell runner Nicky Spinks has been announced as the main speaker for the 2019 Wainwright Memorial Lecture.

Nicky has been running since her teenage years but only started running competitively in 2001. In 2004 she learnt about the Lake District's Bob Graham Round and it became an ambition of hers to complete 42 fell challenge within 24 hours. In June 2005 she completed the run in 23.35 hours.

In 2006, she learned she had breast cancer but continued running and in 2016 looked for a way to celebrate surviving ten years. She chose the double Bob Graham as her challenge. Although her winter training was often interrupted by poor weather conditions, she completed the run in May 2016 in 45.3 hours raising £8,000 for the cancer charity, Odyssey.

"When I first learnt of the Bob Graham round in 2004, I asked for a set of Wainwright books for Christmas," she said. "Although I haven’t read them cover to cover, I love the books and feel I have a lot in common with Alfred Wainwright.

"His love of the lesser peaks and the wild fells resonates with me. I also feel happier roaming the fells alone with my dogs than in mass company.

"I love discovering a small peak and feeling that I have made its day by stopping and admiring the view. I have a passion for open access and encouraging everyone to make full use of the right that we have in this country."

The lecture will take place on Saturday October 5 at Rheged, near Penrith. Tickets are available from the box office at Rheged on 01768 868000 and are priced at £12.