A NORTHALLERTON woman has been 'blown away' by the support given to a fundraising challenge in memory of her father.

Erin Watson, 23, is raising awareness of the deadliest common cancer - pancreatic - after her father Ian sadly died of the disease aged just 52 on July 30 2015.

He was diagnosed on June 12, 2015, and he never became well enough to begin treatment.

Since June 12 this year, Erin has been running 5km every day until July 30 to raise awareness and money for Pancreatic Cancer UK and said: “Since it’s been five-years since I lost my dad, I thought running five kilometres every day from his diagnosis to his death would highlight the incredibly low survival rates for pancreatic cancer."

Erin initially set a £200 fundraising target and said she has been 'blown away' by people who have donated more than £1,500.

The funds have been boosted by Mr Watson's former colleagues at the Cummins plant in Darlington.

Diana Jupp CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “ We are so grateful that Erin is supporting us and we would like to wish her the very best of luck.

“Pancreatic cancer does not stop during a global pandemic - thousands of people up and down the UK are facing this cruel disease and will be especially vulnerable at this time.

"The money raised from Erin’s running challenge will help us be here for people who need support from our specialist nurses today, and will help us continue the cutting-edge research needed to transform survival for the deadliest common cancer now and in the future.”

If you would like to support Erin, you can do so here.