WHEN Mick Kirkbride tackles the Pennine Way, he will not just be raising money for charity - he will be paying tribute to his two younger brothers, who died in a double tragedy last year.

It will also mark the start of the healing process after a year in which he also lost all his possessions in a house fire and was rushed to hospital after a suspected heart attack.

He said: "Last year was somewhat of a personal disaster. This is my way of trying to be positive for the future and raise money for research into cancer and meningitis."

Mr Kirkbride, who now lives in Donington, Derbyshire, was brought up in Shildon, County Durham, with his two brothers, Ian and Stephen.

In January last year, youngest brother Stephen died suddenly after contracting pneumococcal meningitis.

He was 30 and left a partner, Ann, and nine-month-old daughter, Abby.

In February, just days after Stephen's funeral, Ian, who lived in Shildon, was diagnosed with throat cancer. He died in October.

Mr Kirkbride said: "There weren't many options open to him. He chose a massive operation from which most would not survive. Throughout it all he never complained, despite going through severe pain. He was selfless and dignified throughout.''

During the year, Mr Kirkbride spent a lot of time travelling between his Donnington home and the North-East, and had to take a lot of time off from his job as a brake systems engineer for Bombardier Transportation, in Derby.

He said: "Fortunately, they were really good and they are now backing me all the way to do this walk. I am really grateful for their support."

Mr Kirkbride has chosen to complete the top half of the walk, in the North, because it is an area which was very special to the three brothers. He cannot complete the whole Pennine Way, from Derbyshire to the Scottish borders, because of work commitments.

He will be joined in parts by his youngest son, Andrew, Stephen's partner Ann, and friends of both Stephen and Ian.

His goal is to raise as much money as possible for research into both illnesses. A percentage of the cash will be given to Middlesbrough Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, where Stephen was treated, and the ENT unit at Darlington Memorial, where Ian was treated.

He is hoping to get sponsorship from businesses throughout the North-East.

He said: "I hope that eventually cures will be found for these diseases and that in the future other families do not have to suffer the anguish as ours."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr Kirkbride is asked to contact him on 0795- 736 8229.