Skelmorlie hiker George Barr has raised thousands of pounds for charity in memory of a colleague who lost his battle against cancer.

George and his BT Glasgow workmate Alison Brice were part of a team of 10 who trekked 100 miles along the historic Offa’s Dyke path, which marks the boundary between England and Wales, last week. Alongside BT colleagues who completed a 175-mile cycle, the walkers have helped to raise £82,000 for Stand Up To Cancer.

The fund-raisers all work for BT’s Business and Public Sector division, which provides national sales and account management to large and medium-sized organisations around the UK.

George, a senior manager in customer operations, said: “I did a long walk last year for Children in Need but this time it was more personal. My motivation was driven by the death of a colleague of mine, David Roy, whom I had worked with for some 20 years. He battled cancer for the last two years and sadly passed away in April.

“He was always optimistic and always looked on the bright side. It was such a shock when he died. Cancer touches a lot of people, so I wanted to do something positive. It all helps to raise awareness and keep momentum going.”

George warmed up for last week’s walk by staging a sponsored event on the Isle of Bute – his birthplace – in August. Colleague Brian Kerrigan helped him organise it and around 25 workmates, many who’d also worked alongside David, took part.

George said: “Some people cycled over 50 miles and others walked the West Island Way. The weather wasn’t kind to us but everyone pulled together to get through the day.”

The two events have raised £6,500 for Stand Up To Cancer – and George is already planning his next fundraising challenge.

He explained: “My seven-year-old son Ollie and I completed the coast-to-coast walk along Hadrian’s Wall last year. He was keen to come to Wales with me but I felt it was too much. So instead we’re going to climb Ben Nevis this November, when he will turn eight, again in aid of SU2C.”

Rachel Carr, head of Stand Up To Cancer, said: “We’d like to thank all at BT for taking part in this incredible event, trekking or cycling up to 175 miles across the country. It’s this kind of support and energy that we need to help take cancer down.

“We’ve made amazing progress in the fight against cancer over the last few decades, but one in two of us will still develop cancer in our lifetime, so we really can’t afford to stand still. This is why supporting Stand Up To Cancer is so important. All the money raised will go towards funding vital research to get game-changing treatments to patients faster and save lives.”

It’s the second year running BT staff have organised a sponsored walk and cycle ride. Similar events last year raised around £70,000 for BBC Children in Need.

Anyone interested in supporting the fundraisers can do so at: https://mydonate.bt.com/teams/btcorporatealongwalk2017