A MOTHER-of-four has written a book marking her 60th birthday after she travelled a mile in 60 different ways to honour the occasion.

Diana Forsyth, 63, from Hook made it her challenge to travel 60 miles in 60 different days in 60 ways – the challenge which later inspired her to write a book called 60 Miles: My Trials and Smiles.

The 60 miles was travelled in a variety in ways which included a skydive, on skis, in a trolley, by helicopter and a mile on a Segway.

Diana said she had been dreading her 60th birthday year with the feeling of getting older, but this challenge made it seem more bearable and made her grateful for her health and family.

The idea for the challenge came when she was discussing how to celebrate her birthday with one of her friends which included a chat on 60 ways to travel a mile.

She started in January 2014, hoping to complete five different miles per month until her 60th birthday in November 12, 2014.

Diana said: “When I hit 50 I spent the day crying, 50 seemed really old and the day just seemed to pass.

“When my 60th came I realised I had a lot to be grateful for, I have my life, my family and my health so I decided to come up with a way to make it more memorable.

“One of the hardest methods of travelling a mile was crawling, I crawled around my back garden on my hands and knees.

“One of the most enjoyable was my trip on the Orient Express, I tried to think of new ways to make the challenge more fun and enjoyable.

“I finished the challenge on my actual birthday and marked the occasion by climbing the Eiffel Tower which was also really good fun.”

The book is written in the form of a monthly diary and she hopes that her book will inspire people, particularly those ‘young at heart’ to get out and embrace a challenge.

The book touches on her battle with weight, which is documented fortnightly in the book – a theme which she feels people, particularly those around her age, can identify with.

Her book, 60 miles: My Trials and Smiles, under her pseudonym Sophie Johnson is currently available to purchase for £10: email dianaforsyth1@gmail.com for a copy Diana added: “I hope the book will help those who are worried about getting older.”