Father and daughter raise £16k for cancer unit

The pair had no previous marathon running experience before taking on the challenge

A man and his daughter have raised more than £16,000 for a chemotherapy unit in Devon after his wife received "exceptional care" during her cancer treatment.

Duncan Rudall fundraised alongside his daughter Alaska for Torbay Hospital's Ricky Grant Day Unit after his wife Sharon completed treatment there in 2024.

The father and daughter team from Newton Abbot had a goal of raising about £2,000 by running the Exeter Half Marathon in February, but they were "overwhelmed" to have raised £16,237.

Ms Rudall said the money would go towards new equipment to make patients feel more comfortable.

The two fundraisers received further donations after delivering a cheque to the hospital

Ms Rudall said: "We are incredibly grateful to the amazing staff at the Ricky Grant Day Unit for the exceptional care and support my mum received.

"We hope that the funds will help ensure a more comfortable experience for other patients.

"A heartfelt thank you goes out to our wonderful friends, family, and everyone who generously contributed to this cause."

The Ricky Grant Day Centre provides care for people with blood disorders and cancers requiring chemotherapy.

Sam Brenton, lead cancer nurse and matron, said patients from across Torbay and south Devon often visited up to three times a week.

"This period is incredibly challenging for both patients and their families," she said.

"The funds raised by Duncan and Alaska are phenomenal and will enable our dedicated team to provide additional comforts and care beyond what the NHS can fund."