A Colne family continues to pay homage to “the loveliest chap you could ever wish to meet”, with a sister-in-law running the length of the country in his memory.

Bobby McCaigue was born in Colne and joined the army at 21, moving to Braintree where he met his wife and had two children.

However, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour his health deteriorated quickly and he was bedridden writing a book of poems and drawings which was published after he died aged 32 in 2022.

His aunty Carol Pinder said: “He was the loveliest chap you could ever wish to meet, really family orientated full of laughs and smiles very fit and energetic and loved his wife and his children, and the tumour stole his life.

Despite his condition, he continued to work with numerous local charities including fundraising for local food banks and his family wished to honour him in this spirit.

They started the Bobby Battle Foundation to raise money not just for people suffering from health conditions but for anyone who requires help in the area.

Carol added: “Bobby Backup Foundation is something we have set up ourselves in his name and we have already given some donations in the area.

“It could be a financial or mental health struggle, and we will feel we can help them we will do and that is all in Bobby’s name and all in memory of him.”

His sister-in-law Robyn Pinder is currently running from his army base in Braintree to his old home in Colne.

Covering over 402km over a week she will be arriving on Birtwistle with the support of friends and family who have already prepared banners and a big celebration.

Carol said: “We have had very up and down days and thoughts have crept in that she won't be able to do it.

“She is like a running machine I don’t know where she gets it from, not from her mum anyhow.”

The GoFundMe currently has raised over £4000 but the family are hoping to raise £10,000 to donate to their five chosen charities.

Robyn will be supporting Farleigh Hospice, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, The Brain Tumour Charity and Pendleside Hospice.

To donate to Robyn search Braintree to Birtwistle: running 402km over 8 days on GoFundMe.