AN 81-year-old man joined his family in travelling more than 500 miles over 28 consecutive days to raise money for charity.

Peter Dent, his son Peter Junior, daughter Nicola Sawyer, son-in-law Steve Sawyer and granddaughter Kerry Dent walked or ran every day for more than five weeks to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice.

The charity, which provides essential, specialist nursing for people with life-limiting and life-changing illnesses, cared for Peter’s wife Barbara for 38 days in their inpatient unit last year.

Together, Peter and his family smashed their target of walking or running 380 miles over the 28 days by completing 500 miles, raising more than £4,100 for St Luke’s.

Peter, from Stanford-le-Hope, was pleased to raise money for the charity in his wife’s memory.

He said: “Barbara went to St Luke’s not long after we found out she had a brain tumour. When she was diagnosed, we knew that she wasn’t going to get better.

“St Luke’s is where Barbara wanted to be and we felt a relief when we got there. We spent quality time together while the doctors and nurses managed everything health-wise for Barbara.

“It was while we were at the hospice that we decided to fundraise and my son Peter suggested the challenge.

“I will never forget the way Barbara was cared for by St Luke’s, and during such difficult times as well.

“The staff didn’t just look after Barbara, they took care of our whole family.”

Joanne Phillips, community fundraiser at St Luke’s, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Peter and his family for taking on this fundraising challenge. As a charity, fundraising efforts like this make a huge difference, enabling us to continue caring for those who need us.”

To donate to St Luke’s, call 01268 524 973.