A DAD and daughter duo from Gillingham have smashed their fundraising target after completing a 50-mile trek across Dorset.

Dave Selby and his daughter Racheal Birley set off from Portland Bill in the south of the county on September 13 to the village of Bourton in the north, all to raise much-needed funds for Cancer Research UK.

The pair set themselves a target to raise £2,000 – but they were inundated with support and eventually raised an impressive £5,560.50

They say they were met with all kinds of weather – ranging from rain, wind, sunshine and even hail stones.

“We managed it, and although it was tough and miserable due to the intense rain at times, we got through it,” Dave said.

“I’m especially proud of my three grandchildren, Lily (10), Evie (nine) and Jack (six), they managed 10 miles on the Saturday.

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“Its been a great achievement and I wanted to prove that age is just a number, just because I’m over 70 does not mean I’m not able to do a challenge.

“I would like to say a really big thank you to each and every one of you who donated, this has meant so much to me and my family. Cancer has touched so many people we know and we just wanted to do something to help.

Dave with his grandchildren in Portland Picture: Dave Selby/Hayley Baker

“We would like to say a special thank you to our good friend Stuart Spinney for lending us his time and use of his 1950’s McCormick International tractor, which was set as a safety vehicle to warn traffic of walkers.

“I would also like to mention a big special thank you to Adam who drove the tractor the entire day on the Sunday, when it rained the whole duration of the day.

“We would also like the thank the local farm businesses that donated, TBA Ltd at Pulham, CJ Cox Agriculture at Lydlinch and GCS Agriculture, Dorchester.

“Also, a big thank you to Gillingham Social Club for their donations and support. And lastly I would like to thank the White Lion at Bourton, who provided us with free drinks at the end of the walk. Thank you everyone.“