A FORMER Savile Row tailor and designer and his dog braved challenging weather conditions to complete a 125-mile trek of the Yorkshire Dales for the charity Pancreatic Cancer Action.

Rupert Lycett-Green, 77, and his Jack Russell, Spot, set off from Bolton Abbey on May 1, when the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire joined him for the launch, along with a team of 27 walkers, including acting couple Edward Fox and Joanna David.

Rupert and Spot continued on the ten-day trek, which finished in the Northumberland village of Ingram.

The walk was in memory of his "beautiful, funny and kind" wife, Candida, who died of pancreatic cancer in August 2014, nine months after diagnosis. Candida Lycett-Green was a British journalist and author, who wrote 16 books, including Over The Hills And Far Away – the inspiration for Rupert and Spot's walk across the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park.

The final section of the trek saw them hike 14 miles from the village of Hepple for nearly six hours.

He has already raised more than £56,000 for the charity and, during the walk, he was joined by acclaimed ceramic designer, Emma Bridgwater, and photographer, Christopher Sykes.

After completing the challenge, Rupert said he was "exhausted and numb" but the incredible amount donated to the cause motivated him throughout.

He added: "I'm grateful for all the support that I've received from so many generous people.

"The most important thing was to raise a lot of money for Pancreatic Cancer Action because I truly believe that early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is key to improving survival. The small charity does a huge amount to help raise awareness, educate medical professionals and fund research.

"I feel Candida would have been proud of me and I'm pretty sure my children think it's good."

The most difficult stretch of the challenge was on May 4 when Rupert and Spot walked 19 miles from Reeth to Barnard Castle.

Rupert said: "I was in pain as I harrumphed and hollered along.

"I had to sit down at the side of the lane and clutched my back. A car stopped and a concerned couple got out and asked if I was having a heart attack. Soon my son, John, arrived in the van with a back support and painkillers."

Pancreatic Cancer Action chief executive, Ali Stunt, said: "Walking long distances ten days in a row is tough and he's been amazing to complete it in time. What a fantastic thing to do for Pancreatic Cancer Action.

"He knows his fundraising will go towards helping improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer, which has been chronically underfunded and little known for so long."

Visit spotandrupert.co.uk for more details about the charity and how to donate. Visit pancreaticcanceraction.org or call 0303 0401770 for further information about pancreatic cancer.