All heart, that's brave 47-mile walker Annette

Ms Sawyer believed she would never be able to complete the trek after being diagnosed with major heart problems in 2006.

But on Sunday the 41-year-old will undertake the 47-mile walk with fellow Lincoln Salvation Army members Rachel Haines (17) and Megan Holmes (18).

The group expects to start the journey at 7.30pm after spending the day doing Salvation Army work in Mablethorpe.

In 2003, Ms Sawyer completed the walk on her own in a time of 30 hours. But she said she never expected to have the opportunity to walk the route again.

"It is quite scary because two years ago I said I would never do the walk again," she said.

"Two years ago I was diagnosed with heart failure. I could not get to the top of the path.

"I was in hospital for two weeks and was given a three-way diagnosis.

"My heart would get totally better and I would be fit as a fiddle, it would go into total deterioration or it would stay as it was."

Ms Sawyer, of Constable Close, Boultham, Lincoln, said the walk was manageable and her heart had shown signs it was starting to repair itself. The Salvation Army member said the frustration of being in hospital had made her determined to try to prove she could still keep active.

"I have been a very active person," she said.

"Shortly after the diagnosis of the heart condition and because I was in bed for two weeks, I was then diagnosed with a blood clot on my lung and I had to go back for further treatment.

"I want to prove I can do this walk. If I cannot do it then at least I gave it a try."

Money raised from the trip will be given to the Salvation Army Watershed appeal, which helps to provide better access to clean water in the developing world, and youth ministries Ms Sawyer has worked with.

Graham Clarke, of Sincil Bank, Lincoln, was born with a heart condition but has still completed races, including the London Marathon in 2007.

The 58-year-old window cleaner said he was full of admiration for Ms Sawyer's attempt.

"If she needs any support then I would be quite willing to support her," he said.

"I say good luck. She has taken the bull by the horns and is not letting the heart condition rule her life."