The twin sons of a dad who died of brain cancer have completed a six-day trek in his shoes for charity.

Craig and Ross West and mum Sam, from Leavesden, walked 96 miles of the West Highland Way Walk last week in memory of Dave, who passed away in September 2021 aged 51.

Watford Observer: The West family on their last family holiday together in Devon.The West family on their last family holiday together in Devon. (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

The 22-year-olds trekked from Milngavie to Fort William in Scotland in his size 11 hiking shoes from Tuesday, May 7, to last Sunday to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

Watford Observer: Craig, Sam, Victoria and Ross on the six-day trek.Craig, Sam, Victoria and Ross on the six-day trek. (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Dave had planned to take on the hike in his retirement, but was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) after experiencing problems with his peripheral vision a year after giving up work.

Despite surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the cancer became too aggressive and he died 16 months later.

Watford Observer: The family scattered Dave's ashes near Balmaha and the boys skimmed stones, which their dad had taught them to do.The family scattered Dave's ashes near Balmaha and the boys skimmed stones, which their dad had taught them to do. (Image: Brain Cancer Research)

The family from near Watford took it in turns to carry their dad’s ashes on the walk.

Sam, 56, said: “We scattered Dave’s ashes just north of Balmaha and the boys skimmed stones close by, a skill Dave taught them; the three of them were always fiercely competitive.”

“This was Dave’s dream, sadly something he never got to do when he was alive," she added. "It was bittersweet carrying his ashes with us.

Watford Observer: Two pairs of Dave's size 11 walking shoes (left) and Sam's hiking boots (right).Two pairs of Dave's size 11 walking shoes (left) and Sam's hiking boots (right). (Image: Brain Tumour Research)“Seeing the boys walk the route in their dad’s shoes was another way of bringing Dave along on the adventure. He would have been surprised I was doing the challenge as walking was his thing, but I know he’d have been our biggest cheerleader.”

Ross now lives in St Albans and is a police officer for Hertfordshire Constabulary, while Craig is a strength and conditioning coach for Leicester Tigers Women’s Rugby Club.

Watford Observer: Mum Sam said: ​“Seeing the boys walk the route in their dad’s shoes was another way of bringing Dave along on the adventure.Mum Sam said: ​“Seeing the boys walk the route in their dad’s shoes was another way of bringing Dave along on the adventure. (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

When Dave was diagnosed, the family understood there was no cure and that treatment could only prolong his life.

Sam said: “I have seen and read of so many young people dying because of a brain tumour which is heartbreaking.

Watford Observer: Dave and dog Maisie walking along the south coast.Dave and dog Maisie walking along the south coast. (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

“We wanted to do something so that future generations of people who are told they have a brain tumour have a better chance at living longer and even surviving this cruel disease.”

The group of ramblers were joined by Sam’s cousin, Victoria Campbell-O’Dowd, 55, and have now raised more than £5,000 for the cancer charity.

Watford Observer: The family has now raised over £5,000 for Brain Tumour Research.The family has now raised over £5,000 for Brain Tumour Research. (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Brain Tumour Research community development manager Charlie Allesbrook said: “We are grateful to Sam, Ross, Craig and Victoria for taking on their meaningful walking challenge and helping us fundraise and raise awareness of such an important cause.”