A WOMAN has completed a 24-mile walk, raising more than £2,000 in support of her step-dad who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Kelly Hardy, 40, of Basildon, was raised by her step-father Raymond Hazle, 63.

Sadly, Raymond developed problems swallowing and despite being initially told it was just an ulcer, he was later told it was actually throat cancer.

Further tests revealed that Raymond has stage 4 terminal cancer in his throat, stomach, diaphragm and lymph nodes.

Determined not to give up, Kelly and her family started searching for alternatives and found out about an operation which was available in New Zealand.

The family are now working hard to raise the £52,000 needed for the operation.

Kelly decided to do a sponsored walk, with the 24-mile route taking her from Basildon to Southend and back.

She was thrilled to complete the walk and raise £2,197.

She said: “It was actually a lovely walk out to Southend but the journey back was incredibly hard especially the last few miles when the skies opened and I got soaked as well as struggling to make it back.

“Dad unfortunately wasn’t well enough to come outside the house and welcome me back but was holding a bottle of champagne for me indoors.

“I need to say a huge thank you to my daughter Amy, niece Chloe and a friend of theirs Melanie, who did the journey with me.

“And not forgetting all my friends who believed in me and sponsored me.”

She also thanked Mike Holton from Eastgate Shopping Centre and John Keys from Ford.

If Raymond is unable to use the money, everything raised will go towards Macmillan Cancer Support.

Kelly said: “This fundraiser isn’t over - it’s just the beginning of things to come.

“I’m going to take this opportunity to create awareness for families left behind after losing a loved one to cancer and also people who need major lifesaving operations.” She is next taking on Muddy Runner.