A couple from Stevenage have hiked along the south Dorset coast to support the charity that has supported both their mums through cancer treatment.

The Comet: Stevenage couple Clare and Paul Wilkins at the start of of their hike along the Jurassic Coast for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Clare WilkinsStevenage couple Clare and Paul Wilkins at the start of of their hike along the Jurassic Coast for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Clare Wilkins (Image: Archant)

Clare and Paul Wilkins completed the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, trekking 23.6 miles along a hilly stretch of coastline.

The pair took up the challenge after Macmillan supported Clare’s mum Loraine Ball – who sadly lost her battle seven years ago – and Paul’s mum Maureen, who is continuing her fight with the charity’s support.

Clare said: “I fondly remember the care and compassion my mum received from the Macmillan nurses at the Lister Hospital alongside the lovely team of nurses and doctors at the Forster Suite.

“Maureen has also been helped immensely by Macmillan during her gruelling treatment.”

The Comet: Stevenage couple Clare and Paul Wilkins during their hike along the Jurassic Coast for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Clare WilkinsStevenage couple Clare and Paul Wilkins during their hike along the Jurassic Coast for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Clare Wilkins (Image: Archant)

Clare, 41, manages the Perfume Shop in Stevenage town centre, while 36-year-old Paul works for the Wine Society in Gunnels Wood Road.

Clare said: “Anyone who knows me knows I’m not fit in any way. I did some training for this event but I really underestimated how physically and mentally challenging it would really be.

“I couldn’t walk the following day but I’m so glad I did it. The event was really well managed, the scenery was beautiful and the camaraderie with the other hikers was amazing,

“Now I’m fully recovered we are looking at next year’s challenge.”

The Comet: Stevenage couple Clare and Paul Wilkins during their hike along the Jurassic Coast for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Clare WilkinsStevenage couple Clare and Paul Wilkins during their hike along the Jurassic Coast for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: Clare Wilkins (Image: Archant)

Paul added: “I did this for my mum Maureen, who used to work at Newhaven care home in Pin Green.

“I really enjoyed the experience – it was a lot harder than he expected it to be, but it hasn’t put me off.

“We’re looking at hiking Hadrian’s Wall or doing the Peak District Mighty Hike next year.

“We have family and friends who have lost loved ones to cancer as well, and this was for them too.”

The couple have raised more than £600 for Macmillan so far, and told the Comet they would like to thank everyone who has supported and sponsored them through this challenge.

If you’d like to donate to their fundraising, see justgiving.com/Clare-wilkins76 and justgiving.com/paulwilkins36 before August 8.