A property firm owner from Loddon has returned from a 500 mile and month-long pilgrimage she undertook in memory of her parents.

In May, Joanna McIntyre, who owns Musker McIntyre, began her journey which saw her walk the Camino de Santiago - an important Christian pilgrimage.

She started her trek at the French Pyrenees town Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port before crossing the boarder into northern Spain and along to the north-west of the country and to the shrine of the apostle St James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

'I have just returned home from the most amazing walk along the Camino de Santiago,' said the 46-year-old. 'Along the way I had the opportunity to meet dozens of different people from literally dozens of different countries.

'It was hard work physically at first and emotionally, doing 15 to 20 miles a day, every day. However, I was inspired by the people around me and the thought that over the past millennium hundreds of thousands indeed millions of people had placed their feet on the same journey that I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to undertake.'

After finding books about the pilgrimage when she was clearing out her parent's house after her mother died, Mrs McIntyre was inspired to take on the challenge and has raised £2,000 for cancer charity Big C and Musker McIntyre's Community Fund - which awards grants for small charities, voluntary and community groups working in and around Beccles, Bungay, Loddon and Diss.

She added: 'I would like to thank all of those whom have supported me during my Walk500 Camino de Santiago and I am proud to say that I have raised a substantial amount.'

To sponsor Joanna, visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JoannaMcIntyre

Are your raising money for charity? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk