A husband and wife have trekked 100 miles across Spain and Portugal to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Jo and Paul Harfleet of Lunsford Lane, Larkfield, embarked on the challenge in memory of Mrs Harfleet’s sister, Tina Bryan, who lost her battle with cancer in October 2013.

The couple used to work for the Kent Messenger, and Mrs Harfleet now works for Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Mrs Bryan, of Swallow Road, Larkfield, was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, but was later given the all-clear.

Unfortunately,when she fell ill in early 2013 tests revealed that the cancer had returned, this time in her lungs. She died just two weeks later.

She had been working at Maidstone Hospital as a ward clerk on Peale Ward, having previously worked for the Kent Messenger Group as a mail clerk. She left behind her husband Ian, their two sons, Liam and Lewis, and Liam’s daughter, Mila, who was just under a year old when her grandmother died.

Mrs Harfleet said: “She was my only sister and we were very close. No one who knew Tina had a bad word to say about her.”

The challenge to walk from Santiago de Compostela in Spain to Porto in Portugal was inspired by a trip Mrs Bryan had made a few months before she died.

Mr and Mrs Harfleet set off from Baiona, a coastal resort in southern Galicia on Monday, June 6, and walked more than 100 miles to Porto, arriving on Saturday, June 11.

“The scenery along the coastal path was simply stunning, the locals were incredibly friendly, and because the traditional walk is from Porto to Santiago, they frequently told us we were going the wrong way,” Mrs Harfleet said.

The couple have so far raised more than £3,335, and are very grateful for the support they have received.

Mrs Harfleet said: “When we decided to undertake this journey in Tina’s memory we never expected the amazing support we have received. Sadly, it won’t bring Tina back, but knowing we’ve raised so much money will hopefully help others.

“Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged us on this journey and made it all so worthwhile.”