Eddie completes tough 200-mile trek in memory of his wife

* Eddie with his two sisters and brother at the start of the walk in Leeds.

A Llangollen man whose wife died from cancer at the age of just 46 has completed a 200-mile fundraising walk in her memory.

Eddie Bather's wife Sarah died on May 1 last year and he did the marathon trek along the canal network from Leeds to Llangollen to raise money for Nightingale House Hospice, which provided her with care in her final days. 

While he set himself a target figure of £10,000, he has managed to almost triple that amount by notching up close on £28,000 in sponsorship pledges from his many supporters.

Keeping him company along the way were his brother Mike and Sarah's sisters Becky and Beth.

* Eddie and his late Sarah.

The foursome eventually arrived back in town over the weekend to a warm reception laid on at the RAFA Club.

Eddie said: "We completed the 203-mile walk from Leeds to Llangollen on Sunday. The four of us that undertook this challenge have all suffered with blisters, swollen ankles, aches and pains but we did it!

"It was an incredible last day and we were joined by friends and family to see us home. The RAFA club kindly put on free food for us at the finish which was very much appreciated.

"I’ve totally been blown away by people’s generosity and we have raised nearly £28,000 in Sarah’s memory. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has donated. It means so much to me and my family." 

* The fundraisers make their way home along the canal.

Eddie had earlier explained: "My wife Sarah was a wonderful wife and a fantastic mother to our four children. She always had a smile on her face and everyone felt better for spending time with her. 

"She had a love for life that was unparalleled and was always planning or doing something, from her love of afternoon tea, theatre, holidays and jigsaws. A lot of people in the area will remember her as she worked at Llangollen doctors."

Eddie chose the 203-mile route from Leeds as Sarah was born in the city and passed away in Llangollen.  

The walk took nine days and meant completing the equivalent of a marathon each day.

"The idea behind this was that when Sarah was ill she used to say getting up and down the stairs was like running a marathon," Eddie said.

"Although Sarah died at home, the hospice were on standby just in case we needed them and the work they carry out is vital for this community."

* To see Eddie's fundraising page, go to: Eddie Bather is fundraising for Nightingale House Hospice