[1][2][3] Day took up competitive walking in 1946, after coming last in a 100-metre sprint,[1] and was coached by Doris Nelson Neal.
[4] To train, she would walk from her home in Walsall to her workplace in Digbeth, Birmingham, and back - 18 miles (29 km) each day.
[3] She was honoured for this achievement with a brooch depicting the stag logo of Birchfield Harriers in solid gold, commissioned by G.H.
[3] After winning £1,000 for coming in second in a 1960 John O'Groats–Land's End walk sponsored by Billy Butlin – she lost the lead to Wendy Lewis after twisting her ankle – she had to relinquish her amateur status, though it was later restored, and she resumed competing.
[8] She was subsequently made an Honorary Life Member,[8] and was given their lifetime achievement award in 2014.