A family from Sandon stepped up to take part in a mammoth walking challenge to raise money for a cancer charity last weekend.

Gay and Mike Ayton, and their daughter Rosie, raised more than £15,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK by completing the 25-mile, Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

After family friend Rosie Fiducia was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Gay decided to take on the trek – to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – and the Rambling4Rosie team was born.

She said: “Our very dearest friend Rosie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last August and now has stage four of this dreadful disease.

“I was so shocked to learn how underfunded it is. It only receives a woeful one per cent of the total cancer research budget, yet it is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths.

Around 8,800 people die from the disease every year, with the five-year survival rate standing at just five per cent.

The 25-mile challenge crossed uneven terrain, with sharp ascents and descents, taking the family 12 hours to complete, but Gay described it as ‘nothing’ compared to what faces those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She said: “To walk in such beautiful countryside and on a sunny day was amazing - challenging in places yes, with a total climb higher than Ben Nevis, but nothing like the challenges and pain that Rosie and others face.

“We really hope that this helps to raise awareness of this type of cancer.”

Gay is also grateful for the encouragement her family have received in completing the challenge.

She added: “I have been overwhelmed by the huge amount of support and encouragement we have received, and to have raised such a fantastic amount so far. We are hugely grateful.”

Leeann Wilmer is head of events, community and individual giving at Pancreatic Cancer UK, and was delighted with the money raised by the Aytons.

Leeann said: “We are delighted that the Ayton family have chosen to support Pancreatic Cancer UK.

“The funds raised will help us to take on this tough disease and help us offer vital support to patients and families, invest in crucial research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the disease.”

If you would like to support the Rambling4Rosie team, you can do so at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Rambling4RosieFor more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, go to www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise