Lancashire man treks The Dales Way for Rainbow Hub which helped care for his son before he died from Mitochondrial disorder aged just 17

Darren Sephton and Steve Hardman took on Walk4Chris along The Dales Way.

A dad has raised nearly £3,000 in memory of his son, who died from Mitochondrial disorder in 2020 aged just 17.

Steve Hardman, 53, raised the money with Darren Sephton, 55, of Wigan, in aid of Rainbow Hub, which helped care for his son, Chris.

Facing heatwaves and thunderstorms, the pals took on their Walk4Chris challenge along The Dales Way - more than 105 miles from Harrogate in Yorkshire to Bowness in Cumbria.

Steve, from Burscough, said: “We have blisters, bites, sprains, aches and pains. We have been scared, spooked, hungry and tired. We got lost, found, up, down and virtually out at times but we made it.

The pair completed the challenge in memory of Steve's son, Chris Hardman.

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“And, despite everything, we have laughed until we cried, hugged, bonded, met old friends and made new ones. This was for Christopher and everyone at Rainbow Hub – it has been the experience of a lifetime and we hope that we have done you guys proud.”

Darren added: “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has walked with us, donated, supported, messaged – it means so much to us. You helped us smash our £2,000 target and your kind donations will make the world of difference to Rainbow Hub.”

The charity helps disabled youths gain more independence through fun activities.

The pals trekked more than 105 miles from Harrogate in Yorkshire to Bowness in Cumbria.

Lyndsay Fahey, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Steve and Darren have been amazing and have certainly done us proud. We are over-the-moon and can’t thank them and everyone who supported them enough. Chris was a very special young man who will never be forgotten at Rainbow Hub.”

To support Steve and Daz’s fundraising, visit the pair’s JustGiving page.