A schoolgirl has taken on a charity challenge in memory of her late grandfather.

Kerry Sapsed, 13, and her family were devastated when her grandfather Clive Flisher lost his battle to pancreatic cancer last year, aged 67.

Following his death, the Fulston Manor School pupil, her mum Laura, and older sister Heather decided they wanted to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The charity is dedicated to supporting people suffering from the disease, as well as conducting vital research.

The trio, from Sittingbourne, have set themselves the target of walking, jogging or running 1,000 miles by the end of the year.

So far, Kerry alone has clocked up 170 miles but, in April, the family are going to raise the bar and challenge themselves to complete a total of 24 miles in each full week.

They hope that by breaking down the 1,000-mile target into smaller challenges, it will make it more achievable and keep the momentum going.

Mum Laura said: “During the snow week, Kerry was still out every day.

“We can get a little competitive when we do a weekly mileage tally as we are each on slightly different totals – no-one wants the lowest mileage at the end of a week.

“Kerry is enjoying the walks and has surprised me with how well she has taken to jogging as a complete newbie to this.

“She says it is good for her mental well-being and that it is also upholding her grandad’s wishes for his grandchildren to be out enjoying fresh air.”

She added: “Survival rates have improved enormously for most cancers, yet for pancreatic cancer, this is not the case.

“Pancreatic Cancer UK is dedicated to taking on this injustice using every possible means.

“We want to help them make the breakthroughs that people with pancreatic cancer so desperately need.

“We are doing this in dad’s honour. The best dad and grandad in the world.”

Sarah Palmer, Fulston’s publicity and events manager, said: “Kerry’s current mileage is 170 miles, which equates to roughly 340,000 steps so far this year. Now that’s something to be proud of. Amazing work by Kerry, her mum and her sister.”

The family hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity. So far, they’ve got more than £300. To donate, click here.

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