A former soldier is to march 50 miles from London to Sheppey as part of a fundraising event for mother-of-one Summa Barker.

Summa, 22, from Rushenden, has lost the use of both legs and her left arm after contracting a rare neurological condition called Susac’s syndrome.

Originally doctors believed she was suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Craig ‘Tige’ Jones is expecting to take up to eight hours to trek from King’s College Hospital London to Queenborough Social Club this Saturday.

Club manager Jackie Champ said: “Summa is a very popular girl and is best friends with at least three of the girls who serve behind the bar.

"News of her condition has been devastating for everyone so we are doing everything we can to raise money for her and her daughter Jasmine.”

The club is staging a combined pool and darts competition from noon and a free disco by DJ Robbie Earle from 7pm.

Jackie said: “We hope as many people as possible will come along. Just turn up before noon to take part in the competition.”

There will be cash prizes for the winners. Entry is £10 per pair. Contact Leanne Rowe at the club or call 01795 662421 for details.

The club is also appealing for donations for raffle prizes.

Former Minster College student Summa has also suffered from severe memory loss and impaired hearing.

She was originally a patient at King’s College Hospital but is now being looked after by doctors at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury.

She is one of only 375 in the world to have the syndrome.

After suffering severe sickness, dizzy spells and memory loss she went to her doctor and was first diagnosed with depression.

Then she collapsed at work and was sent to hospital for tests and a brain scan.

The former hairdresser at Beez Neez, Sheerness, is now undergoing chemotherapy and is being looked after by her mum Mandy and dad Scott.

The family has set up a Just Giving page to help with hospital travel, further research and other costs at tinyurl.com/Summa2K