Exhausted pals Liza Brooks and Dale Knaggs have just completed the gruelling challenge of visiting 35 countries in 28 days all in the name of charity.

Miss Brooks, a 25-year-old student of St Peter’s Cottages, Kington Langley, decided to visit every country in Europe she had not been to in a bid to raise £2,000 for the neonatal intensive care unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

She began raising money for the Forever Friends Appeal’s £4.7m Space to Grow campaign after her nephew, Justin Clifford-Brooks, was born weighing only 2lb 7oz and was nursed to full health in the unit.

She said: “The trip has been amazing and proved to be a real eye-opener. The country I think we both fell in love with the most was Moldova, which is the poorest country in Europe but was just fantastic.

“We also enjoyed an out-of-this-world spa at a world famous resort in Budapest – even better because it is so cheap out there.

“Of all the countries we have been to I would have to say the one where I will never return is the Ukraine – the police force was so corrupt and we were stopped twice by the police wanting bribes and then again at the border.

“It was tough going at times but it was for such a good cause that it made it all worthwhile.

“Although we have only managed to get about £200 at the moment the money is still coming in and I am confident of hitting our target.”

Miss Brooks, along with carpenter friend Mr Knaggs, were only supposed to visit 34 countries but managed to squeeze in the Czech Republic at the last minute.

The dynamic duo took part in the challenge using Miss Brooks’ mum’s old Ford Mondeo Estate.

She said: “Surprisingly the car is still going and, despite all the pot holes, it did us proud.”

Mr Knagg’s mum owns the Woodlands Store on Woodlands Road in Chippenham and she is still collecting for the pair.

Alternatively you can donate at www.justgiving.com/34countries28days