A woman from north Wales has completed a 400-mile walk in aid of a charity supporting mothers with prematurely born children.

Sally Williams, 52, hoped to have raised thousands of pounds on her travels.

Sally Williams, arriving at the University of Wales Hospital

She began her epic journey in Prestatyn in Denbighshire, on Friday 2 August and was met by her husband Jim and supporters at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, on Sunday.

Mrs Williams, from Llanynys in Denbighshire, arrived at the hospital clutching only her umbrella, without even a blister from her ordeals.

The work of the charity Bliss is not widely known and Mrs Williams aims to have boosted the organisation's profile en route.

Funds raised by her will be used to pay for life-saving equipment at neonatal units across the UK.

I hope the publicity will have a knock-on effect for the charity

Sally Williams

Alison Howell, whose son Thomas was born prematurely, weighing a little over 3lbs, said Bliss had been extremely supportive towards her.

Mrs Howell, from Cardiff, is one of a network of Bliss volunteers using their own experiences to help other mothers.

"The amount of support you can get is unbelievable and having Bliss gave me a lot of encouragement, so now I am involved raising awareness."

Husband Jim: follows her progress

Walking alone, Mrs Williams averaged 20 miles per day in all weathers, while teams of collectors from the Rotary Club met and supported her along the way.

She practised for the mammoth trek by walking an average of 130 miles a week.

"Some bits have been tougher than others but I've been sleeping and eating well and I have no blisters."

Bliss was formed 20 years ago by parents concerned about the lack of resources in the UK for babies needing special care.

The charity is now one of the leading organisation's concerned with the care of premature babies and is funded entirely through public donations.