WHEN Reside Developments’ Executive Director, Richard West lost his beloved black Labrador, Jet, to cancer in July last year, his family was knocked sideways.

He and wife Jacqueline made a commitment to do something positive in honour of the love and loyalty Jet had given them for 11 years.

Having looked at various fund raising options and decided on a 100km non-stop walk in aid of the charity, Animal Cancer Trust, Richard somehow managed to persuade a number of his unsuspecting colleagues and associates in the local property arena to join them.

He said: “Jet’s contribution to our lives was immeasurable and, as anyone who has lost a much loved pet will understand, we now have a huge gap to fill.

“Going for long walks was one of Jet’s favourite past times – the other being catching rabbits and pheasants – so we decided to stretch ourselves to our absolute limit with a 100km non-stop walk from Esher to Brighton.”

The group plans to walk via the Thames footpath and Wey towpaths and along the Downs Link, finishing at Brighton Pier after an estimated 30 hours of walking.

This will involve walking right through the night, stopping only for comfort breaks and refuelling.

At just 5ft tall Jacqueline is a little apprehensive as she’s convinced that she’ll be taking two steps for every one the guys take but she’s determined to start and finish the challenge.

Richard, Jacqueline, their friends and property colleagues are hoping to raise £5,000 for ACT, a registered charity committed to funding the fight against cancer in pets.

They are also hopeful that many other friends will offer encouragement through both sponsorship and the additional physical support they believe will be essential to help them.

Kick-off is at Esher Rugby Club on Friday morning and if all goes to plan, the final whistle will sound on the afternoon on Saturday on Brighton Pier

Justgiving.com/fundraising/RichardWest18