Action Nan takes on gruelling challenge to raise £10,000

Action Nan Pat Smith will take on 300 gruelling miles of the South West coastal path Credit: ITV West Country

It's going to be a long slog but 'Action Nan' Pat Smith sets off on a marathon 300 mile coastal walk this morning to raise money for the RNLI.

The 67-year-old will walk the Cornish coastal path from Marsland, north of Bude, to Cremyll in the south east.

She is hoping to raise £10,000 for the lifeboat charity, with some of the money used towards an appeal to build a new lifeboat station at Newlyn for the Penlee crew.

The self-styled 'Action Nan' says she took up the name after carrying out a number of "weird and wacky things which are a bit out of the norm."

She is no stranger to major challenges, she once rode from John o'Groats to Land's End.

And she says she is prepared, no matter what the weather throws at her.

'I know wonderful it is to see those lifeboat crews heading your way' Credit: ITV West Country

Pat, from St Austell, chose the RNLI as she charity of choice as she says she applaudes the work they do.

Pat is aiming to cover ten to 18 miles a day. Credit: ITV West Country

Pat is aiming to cover ten to 18 miles a day, depending on the terrain, and finish on April 27.

You can follow Pat's progress as she plans to post daily updates on Facebook andTwitter.

You can also donate towards her challenge here.