MORE than 50 supporters cheered a local fundraiser on after she undertook a grueling bare foot walk in the ice and cold for charity.

Martha Musonza Holman, of Love Zimbabwe, finally made it back to the village hall at Llanfoist last Sunday in a wheelchair after a traumatic journey from Brecon which saw her forced to abandon her marathon walk at Llangattock.

She had intended to walk all 22 miles along the canal towpath from Brecon Theatre to the hall barefoot. However after nine tortuous miles she was forced to put suitable walking shoes on.

Her husband David said, "'Martha was fine for the first five miles or so, as she has been practising hard on the roads around New Court Farm doing three to four miles each morning.

"The problem initially was with the freezing ground, but as she got further down the footpath, her feet began to blister badly."

Martha got as far as the Coach and Horses at Llangynidr where the six strong walking party stopped for much needed refreshment.

At this point it became apparent that her feet badly needed plasters and bandaging. She was also persuaded to don shoes for the remainder of the journey.

The group  then got nearly as far as Llangattock when it became obvious that Martha could walk no further.

David then took his wife and some of the walkers straight to Llanfoist.

The pain was so great that Martha had to be wheeled into the joyous reception in a wheel chair.

"The greeting at the hall was, however overwhelming. Over 50 supporters were there to welcome her back, organised by Anja Liewehr who had set up the Love Zimbabwe product stall, arranged a band to play and provided the essential ingredient of mulled wine," David added.

Martha was then presented with a book of congratulatory emails compiled by David.

Mayor of Abergaveny, Councillor Norma Watkins made a welcoming speech, praising Martha's bravery and commitment.

The idea for the walk came to Martha after seeing the continuing poverty and struggle of women in Zimbabwe on their last trip.

The money raised will be put towards mainly women's arts and crafts projects in rural areas in the country.

Love Zimbabwe now intend to start their own ceramics project and Martha and David plan to bring samples of these back with them when they return from Zimbabwe in the middle of February 2011.

So far the money raised amounts to around £800. The couple will keep the donation lines open until their departure on 29 December.

If you wish to contribute to this worthy cause, please contact either Martha or David on 07879400897 or 07774608215, or for more info go to http://www.lovezimbabwe.co.uk">www.lovezimbabwe.co.uk.