Pair trek 21 miles in memory of young mum

TWO adventurous fundraisers put their best feet forward to raise money in memory of a mum who lost her battle to cervical cancer.

Ian Wharton, 47, and Perry Horton, 53, trekked part of the legendary Viking Way to raise as much money as possible for Dove House Hospice, in Hull.

The pair set off at 7.30am from Market Rasen railway station and journeyed 21.9 miles across the Lincolnshire countryside.

Ian, from Laceby, is friends with the father of Samantha Davies, who lost her life to cervical cancer last month. They hoped to be at The White Hart in Caistor by 12.30pm, however, after a number of wrong turns the pair made it there almost an hour later.

He and Perry were then joined by Samantha's parents and Coral, her baby daughter, in support of the hospice where the much-loved young woman spent the last few months of her life.

Then, Yvonne Horton, Jo Sams and Jeanette Wiseman participated in the final eight miles – from Caistor to Barnetby railway station – which took a further four-and-half hours through the Viking Way.

They raised more than £2,500 in sponsorship.

Ian said: "The fabulous countryside, rough terrain and beautiful friendly villages and stunning scenery helped ease the tiring and aching feet.

"It was a difficult walk and uphill for much of the way.

"I still have blisters but it was for a very worthy cause that gets some funding but not enough, and it needs all the help it can get.

"The journey took 11 hours to complete in all, but the weather was great and it was a fantastic day for everyone who took part.

"I just want to thank everyone who sponsored us and we hope to raise even more money for such a worthy cause and raise awareness of cervical cancer and the need for women to attend screenings."

Now, Ian and Perry are planning their next adventure – a 170-mile coast-to-coast cycling journey from Morecombe to Bridlington.

If you want to donate to the cause, visit the pair's Virgin Money page by searching Ian's name.