A determined writer who suffers from epileptic seizures has conquered the mountains of Spain to prove what her body is still capable of and raise money for charity this summer.

Fran Turauskis, 28, from Hook, made the 500-mile hike across the northern route of the Camino de Santiago, in Spain, in five weeks for Epilepsy Action and the British Heart Foundation.

The epilepsy sufferer who was diagnosed in 2014 after having her first seizure seven years ago at university decided she wanted to prove that she can still have some control of her body and ‘break the fear and taboo’ around a condition which is still ‘misunderstood’.

Ms Turauskis said: “I have always been independent and went travelling before I was diagnosed three years ago.

“My first seizure was at university seven years ago and they have been on and off ever since before I started medication for them.

“It became harder to travel and people thought I wouldn’t be able to do it again but I haven’t had a seizure in two years now and I wanted another adventure – another physical challenge to prove I could do it.

“I always use to hike when I was younger so I typed into google long walk and mountains and up came the Camino de Santiago.”

Determined to complete the ancient pilgrims' route on her own with no form of transport Ms Turauskis set up a justgiving page to help raise awareness about the condition and raise funds for charities close to her heart.

“I wasn’t scared to do it on my own and it was really great because it is a popular walk and I met people and I was able to talk about my epilepsy which I think is important,” added the writer.

“I wanted to prove to myself I could still do something so physical – it was really challenging in places especially at the start and you are constantly walking over big mountains but it was really fun.

“I go some really painful blisters and there were days of pure tiredness that you just had to walk through but I did it.

“I am really proud as it was a big accomplishment and shown me what my body can handle and that it is tougher than it use to be.”

Before taking her first step the hiker had manage to raise around £700 for the epilepsy charities and around £300 for BHF.