In an effort to raise support for mental health charity Samaritans, one woman plans to walk one mile per day for 26 days, wearing a different pair of shoes each time.

On April 5, Jan Biggs, outreach lead at the Welwyn Hatfield Samaritans branch, was joined by Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps for one mile in Woolmer Green.

Samaritans is set to be the official charity of the TCS London Marathon this year.

Instead of running, Ms Biggs opted for walking the distance of a marathon to showcase the point of not judging a person before you have walked a mile in their shoes.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Grant Shapps joined Jan Biggs for a mile in Woolmer Green

Ms Biggs has expressed her gratitude for Mr Shapps' participation, saying: "I am very grateful to Grant for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to walk a mile with me to discuss and raise the profile of my awareness and fundraising campaign, the basic point being, don’t judge a person before you have walked a mile in their shoes."

Given the powerful response to her initiative, Ms Biggs has decided to extend her walking marathon until April 21, the day of the TCS London Marathon.

Additionally, once a week over the course of 26 weeks, she plans to continue her walks with anyone who wishes to join her.

MP Shapps expressed his respect for Ms Biggs' mission as he said he "feels honoured to have had the opportunity to join Jan on one of her walks - it is a fantastic campaign and I wish her all the best with her remaining walks.

"As a constituency MP, I am all too aware of mental health issues in communities and the amazing work Samaritans does to raise awareness and help those in need."

For those interested in supporting Ms Biggs' campaign, updates and details can be found on her Instagram page, walk.a.mile.in.myshoes, and her JustGiving fundraising page.

She has so far raised more than £600 through the page, smashing her £500 target.

Anyone seeking emotional support can contact Samaritans for free and confidential advice on 116 123.