A MOTHER who walked around the entire British coastline, finishing at the Durdle Door, has been recognised by Prime Minister Theresa May.

Natalia Spencer completed the incredible 6,000 mile challenge last week, and has now been honoured with the Point of Light award as well as a personal letter from Mrs May.

The award recognises outstanding volunteers, and those who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Natalia set off from Durdle Door – the last beach she visited with her daughter Elizabeth – in February 2016. The journey began just weeks after her daughter tragically died from a rare autoimmune condition.

She covered around 20 miles a day and raised more than £115,000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital where Elizabeth was treated.

In a personal letter to Natalia, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Your inspirational challenge of walking the entire coastline of Britain has raised vital funds for the Bristol Children’s Hospital and is a wonderful tribute to the life of your daughter, Elizabeth.”

Natalia is the 683rd winner of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush. Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.

Natalia, who lives in Cheltenham, said: “It was a massive surprise for me to find out that l have been awarded with a Points of Light award. I feel very humbled and honoured that the Elizabeth’s Footprint fundraising effort is recognised by the Prime Minister and by such a prestigious organisation as Points of Light.

“Behind each success is a team effort and the Elizabeth’s Footprint journey is no exception. There is a massive team of amazing people who helped me to raise not only a huge amount of money for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity but also to raise awareness of love, kindness and generosity and to restore faith in humankind. I would like to dedicate this prestigious award to all of these wonderful people who helped me along my journey but especially to my absolutely brilliant support team whose effort and dedication made Elizabeth’s Footprint possible and of course to my precious daughter Elizabeth who I believe is a real Point of Light.”