A COUPLE form Alveston who have both beaten cancer have hiked a marathon together to raise more than £1,200 for charity.

Kirsty Sims had signed up for the walk from Wotton to Bath in December to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in thanks for the care her husband, Darren had received during his recovery from mouth cancer in 2014.

46-year-old Darren, a postman in Thornbury, signed up for the endeavour two weeks later so they could complete it together.

But less than two months after entering, Kirsty was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had to undergo surgery and treatment before being given the all clear in June.

Completing the Macmillan Mighty Hike along the Cotswold Way on Saturday, June 23, the couple said that their change in circumstances over the past few months severely impacted on their training, but that they were determined to go the distance.

“There were some tough climbs and descents on the way,” said 43-year-old operations manager Kirsty.

“But it was a good atmosphere with a lot of people walking, which kept the mood upbeat.

“This was a real challenge but we were both determined to complete it, even if we had blisters and heavy legs at the end of it!”

The couple completed the course in just under 10 hours, having taken them through Hawkesbury Upton, Old Sodbury, Tormarton, Dyrham Park, Sir Bevil Grenville’s Monument and Bath Racecourse, before arriving at their final destination

“It was a relief to see the finish line, we were flagging by that point. It was a very hot and dry day.”

The couple set out to raise £500 through the challenge, but have said that the amount raised through the generosity of others is more than they could have ever imagined.

Kirsty said: “It is amazing that we have been able to raise so much, and with more donations coming in, it would be fantastic if we could take the total up to £1,500!”

The couple’s justgiving page is still active and will be open for the next month. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/DKSims