Lorna Marie Fitness squaddies take on 22-mile Ullswater Way walk for Cancer Research UK, in memory of Annette Gunn of Lambley

Sixty five members of a fitness group have completed either a ten or 22-mile walk in memory of a friend.

The group raised just under £14,000 for Cancer Research UK, in memory of Annette Gunn of Lambley.

Annette, and the majority of the 65 walkers were members, known as squaddies, of Lorna Marie Fitness’ online fitness classes, and were also joined by friends of Annette and people from the Lambley community.

Lorna Bell, of Lorna Marie Fitness, said: “Annette had been part of our online fitness squad for several years. She was always at the top of the leader board, never missed a live class — unless she was at the hairdressers or her doggies at the groomers — and was the first to support everyone else.

“She was very much our “squad Mum” — always there cheering us on, never missed a happy birthday, and even took her workouts with her on holiday in her caravan.”

As one of Annette’s favourite places was Pooley Bridge and the surrounding area, the group chose to walk the Ullswater Way in the Lake District on Saturday (May 17) to honour her memory.

“It was amazing to see everyone come together from all around to support such an important cause,” Lorna added.

“Thanks to everyone’s amazing generosity, we’ve now raised over £14,150, with donations still coming in. The day was full of emotion, determination, sore feet, shared snacks, laughter, tears and community spirit as people walked ten or 22 miles in Annette’s memory.”

Donations can still be made to the group’s JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/team/lornamariefitness-ullswater-way-challenge.

“Annette was a cherished part of our fitness community, and this challenge was our way of honouring her strength, spirit and love for life,” Lorna said.