COLLEAGUES of a man who died from cancer earlier this year have completed a charity challenge in celebration of his life.

A 25-strong group from construction company BAM walked and cycled a gruelling 21km route in the Lake District, in aid of the Melanoma Research Fund.

Saturday’s event was in tribute to Jason Pink, from Farnhill, who died in May just days after his 48th birthday.

Among those who took part was his partner Luisa Penrose, who is also a BAM employee.

“Jason was full of determination and ambition and had a great sense of humour,” she said.

“It was an honour to share his life, and to have been lucky enough to work alongside him too.

“He has left so many of us with brilliant, happy memories. He would be overwhelmed to know the huge amount of love and support that has prevailed, and Saturday’s challenge was the first of many as a tribute to his life.”

The team completed the energy-sapping course in seven hours 40 minutes.

“We had a wonderful turnout of friends, family and colleagues,” said Luisa.

“We climbed steep waterfalls, scaled large rock faces and descended slippery terrain.

“There were gale-force winds at the top of every peak, but the views were spectacular!

“We already have a few ideas for future challenges, where we’d like to continue up several more mountains and keep Jason’s spirit alive through the type of activities he enjoyed the most.”

More than £3,100 has been donated through an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/fundraising/jason-pink, and contributions can still be made.

Jason had worked for BAM for over 12 years. He was twice nominated and shortlisted in the Chartered Institute of Building Construction Manager of the Year Awards – on the first occasion after leading the construction of Keighley College, in Dalton Lane.