THREE intrepid employees from Nationwide Building Society survived searing heat to help raise much needed funds for Brain Tumour Research.

The trio were inspired to compete a half marathon trek across the Peak District by Kidderminster’s Richard Walker who was given a terminal diagnosis at the end of last year.

Claire Worsfold, Darren Gelder and Dave Green took seven and half hours to complete their epic trip on what proved to be one of the hottest days of the year so far.

Darren Gelder explained: “One of our colleagues is friends with Richard’s wife. We are similar in age and I thought just how I would cope in that situation and what support I would need.

“I’m sure I wouldn’t have handled it as well as Richard has, but by doing this small thing, I hope it will help a little towards future research into this terrible disease”.

Richard was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma on New Year’s Eve – the same day he turned 51 and celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with wife Lucy who is 44.

Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer and Richard revealed: “ I’ve felt sad, angry and frustrated, especially as I can no longer drive. Reading the statistics about brain tumours is the fuel to my fight. I feel so lucky that when I wake up in the morning."

Richard’s symptoms started three months before he was actually diagnosed as he lost his peripheral vision in one eye.

He’d experienced flashing green and red lights in the corner of his eyes to the point where he had to pull over in his van and seek help from strangers, such was the difficulty he found himself in.

Richard was taken to Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital for tests and then later transferred to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

Further tests revealed the devastating news of a satsuma sized mass on his brain, attached to his optic nerve, deeming it inoperable.

Since being diagnosed, Richard, together with his sister in law Louise Pardoe, has raised more than £5,000 for the charity and continues to inspire friends and family with his positive outlook.

The trekking trio have now added further to the cause and have currently raised £400 with the total still climbing. That figure has been improved by Nationwide’s match funding scheme, taking the total to £705 50p.

Darren added: “ Due to the intense heat and the sun, it was a real challenge, but it felt really rewarding to complete the challenge and know we have done a small bit to help such a great cause”.

Mel Tiley, who is the community development manager at Brain Tumour Research said: “Richard’s story is a reminder that brain tum ours are indiscriminate and can strike anyone at anytime.

“He has been incredibly generous in sharing his experience which has proved a powerful way of raising awareness and inspired others to take on their own fundraising challenge to help us find a cure."