A TRIO of staff members from a Redditch firm have raised thousands of pounds for cancer in memory of a “caring, honest, and inspiring” colleague and friend.

Anita Douglas, Jane Hood and Jane Hemus, raised £1,326 for Macmillan Cancer Support by completing the Peak District Mighty Hike on September 2 – a 27-mile trek from Ashbourne to Buxton.

The trio took on the challenge in memory of a former colleague at Leading Results, Deborah James, who passed away in July aged just 37 following a brave two-year battle with bowel cancer.

Company director at management training firm Leading Results, Ms Douglas, said: “Debs spoke so highly about the amazing work the Macmillan nurses did for her and her family.

“As Debs was supported by Macmillan, we all wanted to fundraise in her honour.

“Having seen the challenges that people with cancer face, we pushed ourselves on and didn’t give up.

“We’re grateful that we were able to make a small difference to those who don’t have a choice about the pain they experience.”

Consultant Ms Hemus said: “I was a little nervous as I hadn’t done much training specifically for the Mighty Hike, but I’ve completed a couple of half marathons this year and I’m generally quite fit, so thankfully that was enough!

“I got my strength from those who’ve had far bigger tests than this and as a team we got each other through it. I’m sure Debs was with us all the way through.”

After being diagnosed with cancer, Deborah delivered many seminars and talks to educate people on dealing with cancer in the workplace, which she was very passionate about.

Readers can still donate to the trek at justgiving.com/fundraising/jane-hood6.

Fellow consultant Ms Hood added: “Debs was such an incredible lady – very professional and hard-working, and also caring, honest and inspiring.”