Preston man does Lakeland Hike for Macmillan in memory of his mum

Tony McGowan, of Alston, near Preston, completed the 26-mile Marathon Lakeland Hike organised by The Macmillan Trust in honour of his mum, Marie McGowan, who died of bowel cancer in 2016, aged 91.

His efforts raised more than £400 for Macmillan, which provides specialist cancer care and support.

The 58-year-old said: “I climbed all five fells that surround Ullswater Lake in the Lake District. More than 1,400 people took part on the day and they all had one thing in common - they all had lost either a family member or friend to cancer.

“In my case I did it in memory of my mother Marie McGowan who lost her battle with bowl cancer in 2016 and also for two uncles whom we have lost over the past years.

“Every competitor had got themselves sponsored and up to the day of the event it was announced that the total stood at £400,500 and was still rising.

“I have raised up to now £400 but I am hoping this will increase.

“All the money raised will go to the funding of the Macmillan nurses who do a fantastic job 24/7.

“The conditions on the day can only be described as brutal. The heat was intense and the terrain steep and rocky with over 200 people having to pull out because of heat exhaustion.”