A FAMILY who conquered a fundraising challenge say it was probably the hardest thing they have ever done.

They smashed the target for a special charity close to their heart.

On Wednesday, July 21, Gary Rushworth along with his daughter Emily Rushworth and her partner Mark Sowerby completed the 10-day coast to coast challenge, walking 190 miles in memory of Gary’s wife and Emily’s mum, Moira.

The hiking trio started their walk from Roanhead beach in Cumbria on the morning of Monday, July 12 and finished at Robin Hood's bay in Yorkshire on Wednesday July 21 at 4pm completing 458,391 steps, in the scorching heat the UK was blessed with that week.

Gary said: “Emily, Mark and I set the event up as a challenge – 10 days to do this walk is a lot less than most who set out to tackle it – but the heatwave that we experienced for nine of the ten days only heightened our challenge.

“The day from Shap to Kirkby Stephen across exposed moorland with little shade was particularly gruelling, followed by the ‘double day’ from Kirkby Stephen to Reeth with nearly 12 hours walking.”

“We arrived at Robin Hood’s Bay at 4pm on Wednesday, July 21 and stood in the North Sea the tide lapping over our boots for the official end of walk photograph before making our way on to the beach to release our emotions.

“Quiet reflection sat on the beach-side rocks contemplating the enormity of what we had achieved – not just overcoming the challenge of the walk but also the awareness raised for the need for research into a cure for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.”

Between the three of them the family has raised £4,123 (including Gift Aid). Overwhelmed by the generosity Gary said: “Our time of reflection also included our thankfulness for the overwhelming support we have received from family and friends and even strangers throughout our challenge. We have been blown away by the amount raised so thank you for all your donations, and words of encouragement.

“Moira’s memory was with us every step we took, she was taken from us far too soon, and all we can hope is that in the near future the loss of a loved one from this devastating disease is something other families never have to experience.”

Jayne Forbes, MS Society community fundraiser said: “You should all be very proud of what you’ve achieved.”