A GRANDMOTHER is once again putting on her walking shoes to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Ila Shah, aged 72, will be walking four miles around the track in Leverhulme Park on Sunday.

She will be walking in memory of her husband, Nanibhai, who died in November 2012, having battled diabetes for 20 years.

It is the fourth year that Mrs Shah, of Southbrook Grove in Great Lever, has took part in the walk, which has raised more than £12,000 for charity.

The grandmother-of-five said: “It is vital to fund research into diabetes.

“There is also a lot of Asian people that have diabetes and we have more of a chance of getting it.

“I don’t want to see my children or grandchildren suffer with it.

“I want to be able to give something back and do something worthwhile for the Bolton community and raise awareness of diabetes — why it is happening, how we can prevent it and how to deal with it.”

Mr Shah, was 78 when he died and had moved to the UK from Bombay, India, in 1962 and worked here as a chartered accountant.

In his later years he struggled to inject insulin and one Mrs Shah's aims is to help experts develop new treatment methods to reduce the reliance on insulin.

The walk has been sponsored, over the years, by various organisations such as Bolton Market, Johnson Cleaner, MRH solicitors and Spice Valley, as well as diabetic health care staff, and members of the community.

Mrs Shah added: “I have been walking five days a week to prepare for it.

"I don’t want to put an estimate on how much I want to raise, but it would be nice to raise more than last year.

“I don’t do this for any credit, I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me."

Mrs Shah said she wants to thank Diabetes UK, the Bolton Hindu Forum and all Boltonians for supporting her.

She added: “They have all given me lots of moral support.”

The walk will begin at 1pm and a raffle will also be taking place after after the event and everyone is welcome to join.

For more information contact 01204 535073.