A Bromley man is walking from London to Brighton after his partner became one of the first cancer patients to trial a new tumour-destroying drug.

Roger Sanford, 40, is leading the group of 10 people in the 100km London 2 Brighton Challenge to raise money for Dimbleby Cancer Care.

The charity has provided support to his partner Kelly Potter, from Beckenham, who was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer in July last year.

The 35-year-old took part in a trial to test a boundary pushing vaccine for terminal cancer, with her first injection in February and seven further treatments.

Whilst undergoing treatment at Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital in central London, where the charity is based, Ms Potter has called on its services for psychological support and group self-help sessions.

She said: “Every single person at Dimbleby Cancer Care is a credit to the charity and everyone involved at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.

“Roger and the team wanted to give a little back by pushing themselves to the limit.

“I didn’t think for one minute that would mean walking for 24hrs with little rest.”

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Kelly Potter took part in a trial for a new cancer drug.

The London 2 Brighton Challenge, which kicks off on May 28, is described as “one of the UK’s great endurance events”.

Participants walk, jog or run the 100km distance which starts from Richmond on Thames.

As well as Mr Sanford the team is made up of Steve Sanford, Jon Mote, Martin Shaw, Stephen Nation-Tellery, Yamani Kasimu, Grant Toshack, Julian Mellors, Chris Hayes and Tony O’Callaghan.

Mr Sanford said he chose to take on the fundraising challenge as a thank you to the charity which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“Without their help and guidance I’m sure Kelly would not be as upbeat and positive as she is today,” he said.

“The charity came to my attention shortly after Kelly was diagnosed and during her ongoing treatment it has been an absolute God send with hours of support, complementary therapies and counselling available to us.

“I cannot praise them highly enough for the work they do, which is given to the very highest standard and at a personal level.”

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Grant Toshack, Anthony O’Callaghan, Roger Sanford, Yamani Kasimu and Chris Hayes

He added: “Kelly is doing well but her battle with cancer continues.

“The walk will be a real challenge for the team as it is 24-30 hours of continuous movement, but it is nothing compared to what Kelly has been through during the last nine months.”

With the walk fast approaching, the group has raised just over £3,000 so far.

Click here to donate.