MICHAEL Watson's 26-mile marathon knock-out walk of courage last week has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a charity close to the heart of a Haslemere woman.

As one of the volunteer helpers along the way, Sue Farley from College Hill, made the journey each day up to London, catching the 6-30 am train from Haslemere to walk with the former boxer, who almost lost his life in a match 12 years ago.

She walked with Michael each day and mingled with the London crowds collecting for the Brain and Spine Foundation.

Michael's supreme effort in completing the marathon in six days, two hours and 27 minutes was said Mrs Farley "an epic journey".

"I found the whole experience quite awesome and emotional, said Mrs Farley, a retired ballet teacher, who ran the London Marathon herself last year for the first time, raising money for the same charity.

"Such courage, determination, belief, and conviction is truly inspirational."

Mrs Farley said that Michael, as captain of the Daily Telegraph team, "was determined to complete the course, however long it took - a remarkable ambition considering that after the fight, he was in a coma for 40 days and on the verge of being certified clinically dead.

"It left him paralysed down his left side and in a wheel chair and he was not expected to read, write, talk or walk.

"During the course of six days, the happy band was joined by so many people who knew and loved Michael, all giving so much support and time to this courageous man," said Mrs Farley.

And there were many poignant moments too when other disabled people including a 14-year-old teenager joined the walk.

"The climax was on the last day, for the last 1.2 miles when Chris Eubank, the man who ended Michael's career and very nearly his life, and who has since become his friend, accompanied Michael to the finishing line and held the tape.

"I shall never forget the lady who said on day one when we passed her house slowly at mile number two - "they've saved the best till last. Come on Michael Watson - you're knocking them all out with your courage."

In all, 850,000 people attend hospital every year with head injuries. Stroke affects one in five of us, leaving half disabled, and neurological disorders are more common than heart disease and cancer.

The Brain and Spine Foundation founded by Peter Hamlyn, the consultant neurological and spinal surgeon who saved Michael's life, is the major charity in search for improved prevention and treatment in disabilities such as spina bifida, epilepsy. stroke and multiple sclerosis.

Anyone wishing to support Michael Watson can phone the donation line on 0870 060 0729 or visit the website http://www.justgiving.com/michaelwatson">www.justgiving.com/michaelwatson

His efforts can also be supported by logging on to http://www.brainandspine.org.uk">www.brainandspine.org.uk