BATTLING through a blizzard, unable to see in front of him, and in crippling pain, there was only one thought spurring on Bill Crawford - his late wife Jude.

Bill, of Wembdon Road, in Bridgwater, endured one of the toughest challenges of his life when he embarked on a 60-day, 570-mile trek through the Pyrenees mountains in aid of St Margaret's Somerset Hospice.

Just 20 days in, the 63-year-old fell onto his back while carrying a 35lb rucksack and was left 'stranded like a turtle'.

Despite being in agony, having ruptured a tendon in his shoulder, he got to his feet and carried on to the nearest town for treatment.

Things didn't get any easier though. Bill had lost two stone in weight by the time he and a group of nine other hikers came across a snow storm.

With zero visibility, the party knew they had to turn back but the French guides persuaded them to carry on.

“It was a little nerve racking to say the least”, Bill modestly revealed.

Finally his mission was complete and he has now raised more than £2,600 for the hospice, which cared for his wife before she lost her battle against a brain tumour.

Bill added: “She was definitely with me and the thought of her kept me going.”

A glutton for punishment, he is now planning on returning to the Pyrenees in August for two weeks, and hopes to repeat the trek in reverse next year - despite having had metal studs fixed to his shoulder and facing a year of intense physiotherapy.

Julie Draper from St Margaret's said: “The determination he has shown to complete this challenge is amazing - he is a truly inspirational man.”