A DORSET Echo trainee reporter is putting her best foot forward this weekend on the Jurassic Coast to raise money in memory of her sister who lost a battle with leukaemia.

Jessica Rees, 27, from Weymouth, is hiking the length of the Jurassic Coast to fundraise for CLIC Sargent, a charity which greatly supported her family during her sister’s illness.

The sponsored walk is 95 miles long and starts in Exmouth in Devon on the South West Coast Path and finishes at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset.

Her sister, Alex Birkenhead nee Rees, passed away in 2008 aged just 24.

Jessica said: “Although some time has passed now, it never gets any easier thinking about Alex. I’m one of four sisters and she was always the life and soul of every party.

“Her memory very much lives on in my family and with her friends.

“I ran the London Marathon a few years ago for CLIC and I decided it was time to do something again for the charity. They did everything they could for Alex to make life more bearable during her illness.”

Last year CLIC Sargent provided in depth support to 76 families in Dorset. It costs CLIC Sargent around £4,000 to support each young person through their treatment, which can last up to three years.

Once diagnosed, a young person in Dorset is likely to begin treatment at Southampton General Hospital – this is the nearest hospital that can provide the specialist care required.

As initial diagnoses are given in Southampton, often miles away from home, CLIC Sargent offers families free accommodation at CLIC Haven; a home from home just minutes from the hospital.

When Alex was ill, the charity provided a home for the Rees family to stay in Southampton for four months.

Jessica said: “We will always be indebted to CLIC and I want to raise awareness for the incredible support they provide.

“I wanted to do something I was passionate about in her memory, and I love Dorset and walking along the Jurassic coast and so I thought why not hike all of it. It’s 95 miles long and I’m setting off on what would be Alex’s birthday on Saturday.

“I’ll be supported along the way by my mother and Alex’s daughter Leah who are joining me for part of the walk which means everything.

She added: “I’ve set the target at £10 a mile. A charity challenge goes miles in fundraising and raising awareness. That is the aim of my challenge and to also take a little time out to think about my sister and remember the good times.

“I learnt so much from her and try to make the most of everything in life and always look on the bright side. She showed everyone who knew her that although life can be short, you can still live it fully and enjoy every moment.”

To support Jess’s Jurassic Challenge, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Jessica Rees.