THE TWO sons and husband of a Weymouth woman who died of cancer have managed to raise almost £2,000 for charity after walking from West Bay to Portland.

James and Simon Quickfall, the sons of Sally Quickfall, walked 19.2 miles along Chesil Beach in memory of their mother after she passed away in September 2018 following a battle with cancer.

Their father Ken managed to join his sons for the final 100 metres, despite having a full hip replacement just five weeks before.

The men set off from West Bay on September 1 with the goal of raising as much money as they could for the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.

Their chosen charity fit in very well with their challenge, due to their mother having spent time being cared for in the Fortuneswell Unit at Dorset County Hospital and the fact that their 19.2-mile trek would see them finish in Fortuneswell on Portland.

Simon said he was delighted with their fundraising efforts: "In total we raised £1,900 with a target of £2,000 which we didn't think we'd get anywhere near.

"We're so pleased to be able to give that enormous amount directly to the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust which will be used to support those who are still fighting the fight."

Sally lived in Wyke for 35 years and worked in the cosmetics section at Debenhams in Weymouth from the moment the store opened about 20 years ago.

Because of this longstanding connection she shared with the store and the town, Debenhams allowed her family to set up a stall in the centre of the shop so they could sell things like books and oil paintings to customers to raise more money for Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.

Simon said: "Our wives and children managed to raise £390 from the very generous Debenhams customers and staff.

"We have to thank Debenhams because they bent over backwards to help us. Our mum worked there for 20 years and the boss, Kate Hope, said our mum was one of the family."

Although being incredibly happy to have finished the challenge and to have raised so much money, Simon said he does not plan to do it again any time soon: "I can definitely say that James and I never intend to do that walk again. It was very difficult and I'm so glad we took the advice from the army, coastguard and fleet warden. To try that walk unprepared would be very irresponsible and dangerous."