FOUR sisters have completed a gruelling challenge which saw them walk more than 37 miles in memory of their father.

Siblings Sarah Gent, Emily Gent, Tessa Jefferson and Chloe O’Hare completed seven swims and climbed seven peaks following a mapped out route in the shape of a ‘thumbs up’ in memory of their adventure enthusiast father who died earlier this year from a rare strain of Motor Neurone Disease.

Former teacher Alan Gent, of Cumbria, became well known for the thumbs up sign that he used as short hand for expressing a common message as the disease robbed him of his voice, his ability to swallow and eventually to breathe over a period of 14 months.

The team achieved the feat in just three days after setting off on Friday (October 2), a day after what would have been Mr Gent’s 78th birthday.

Now they have raised more than £3,000 for St Mary’s Hospice, in Ulverston, where Mr Gent was supported in the "incredibly challenging" last few months of his life.

His daughter, Sarah Gent, 37, said: “It was euphoric; it was really moving and we’re delighted that we did it – it was like a pilgrimage and something really positive and special we could do for dad and with each other.”

Mrs Gent, from Ingleton, in Teesdale, also thanked everyone involved, especially her mother, Mary Harkness, who met the ladies at the finish line with a picnic and prosecco.

She added: “Dad would have been bursting with pride. Part of our walk was one of his last walks where he did his ice bucket challenge so we felt close to him – closer than we have in a long time.”

To sponsor the group, visit justgiving.com/ThumbsUpAlanGent/