A FAMILY who lost their dad to cancer celebrated what would have been his 50th birthday with a huge fund-raising trek across the West Midlands.
Former publican Matt Beresford died at Warwick Myton Hospice in 2013 at just 45-years-old.
And to remember their dad the family took on a marathon 86 mile walk across the region.
They managed to raise an impressive £3,500 for cancer support charity Macmillan, one of the charities which helped Matt and his children through his illness.
Sam, 22, along with his sisters 25-year-old Sophie and 27-year-old Zoe were joined by their cousin Joe and walked for three days, taking in seven pubs.
They were all establishments which Matt was involved in, and the walk started at the King’s Head in Wellesbourne and included pubs in Birmingham, Coventry, Nuneaton and Hunningham before ending at the White Horse in Leamington.
Sam said, ‘There is not a day that goes by where we do not miss our Dad. He was incredibly courageous and resilient throughout his illness, whilst remaining an inspiring and unconditionally devoted Dad to us all.
“Although it is very sad that he cannot be with us to celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday, we wanted to do something to honour his memory and celebrate his life. Dad loved being in the pub trade so it felt right that we incorporated his passion into the challenge.”
The family say Macmillan offered ‘invaluable’ support to them at a difficult time.
Sophie said: “Macmillan offered advice and support to our family throughout our Dad’s illness.
“Whether it was talking to a Macmillan professional or calling the support line, there was always someone there for us to turn to. We saw this challenge as both an opportunity to honour our unforgettable Dad, and give back to Macmillan.”
Regional fund-raising manager for Macmillan, Nikki James, said: “At Macmillan we rely on the time and generosity of families such as the Beresford’s; this was such a personal challenge for Sam, Zoe and Sophie and I cannot thank them enough for their incredible fundraising efforts.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the-beresfords to donate.
