A GRANDMOTHER hopes to defy her osteoporosis to complete a sponsored walk.

Valerie Grimwood, who was diagnosed with the progressive bone disease last month at the age of 55, plans to walk the five miles from her home in Esh Winning, County Durham, to Ushaw Moor and back in aid of the National Osteoporosis Society.

She said her diagnosis was a shock but she had decided to undertake the sponsored walk to help her to come to terms with it.

Mrs Grimwood, who also suffers from a bent spine and is a full-time carer, plans to do the walk on Saturday, July 12.

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/valerie-grimwood