A widower is on target finish the last leg of his swim for a fundraising challenge in tribute to his wife who died of cancer.

Will Crosby, a retired educationalist and part-time carer, is asking for help to boost his sponsorship effort in aid of Cancer Research UK in loving memory to his wife Harriet.

He is continuing the fundraising started by his late wife, who planned to run the London Marathon in 2009 for the charity during her battle against the disease.

Will, a former special school headteacher, who lives in Horrabridge, is aiming to complete the final mile of his 837-mile (the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats) swim challenge at Meadowlands swimming pool in Tavistock on Sunday, April 19.

Will has even kept his wife’s online fundraising page open to continue her appeal as he swims 25 miles a month in the pool, having started in January 2024.

He said: “I’m continuing the fundraising drive that Harriet started when battling cervical cancer in 2009. Her aim was to complete the Flora London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK via her Just Giving page. Sadly the disease overtook her quest and she died from the disease in November 2010.”

Will’s daughters Thea and Rosie Crosby have helped their dad raise funds for their mum’s chosen charity and are running the London Marathon this month for other cancer causes.

Will said: “I will finish the final mile swimming with my daughters Thea and Rosie. They are also both running the London Marathon for similar charities the following Sunday.

“The appeal will be formally closed at the end of this year, with £5,000 being already raised for the cause.”

Will Crosby welcomes donations to Harriet’s JustGiving fundraising page at this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harrietcrosby