A WOMAN whose best friend died after having breast cancer has walked tens of thousands of steps for a close cause.

Zainab Patel, 48, from Deane, walked 10,000 steps daily for a month on behalf of charity Cancer Research UK.

Speaking to the Bolton News, she said: “I lost my best friend Sabiha Makkan to breast cancer in October.

"We were close friends, we went on a pilgrimage together in 2010 so it was a big loss.”

“I also lost my mum to acute cancer, and I know a few other people who have been diagnosed recently.

"This is dedicated to all the people that have passed away.

“It’s been emotional.”

Zainab did 10,000 steps daily for a month from March into April, raising £1,290 for Cancer Research UK.

“I’d like to say a big thankyou to everyone who donated, from the bottom of my heart.”

She also did 10,000 steps in a month for charity last year, raising £800.

Cancer Research UK were formed 20 years ago, but their history goes back to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, who were founded in 1902.

They carry out pioneering work into how to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, funding research into all 200 types of cancer.

They also develop evidence-based policy to inform government decisions related to cancer, as well as other functions regarding cancer and research.