An editorial boss has thanked colleagues at a regional publisher as he prepares to embark on a charity challenge in memory of his late father.

Ed Walker, audience and content director at Reach plc’s regional titles, is set to undertake a 24k run in honour of his dad Peter, who died on 1 September after a five-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ed’s run with his friend Iain Mackie will see him start in Preston, where he lives, and finish in Southport, where his father grew up.

The challenge, in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK, will take place on 29 November, at the end of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Ed Walker, right, with his father Peter

Ed, who is also editor-in-chief for Reach’s hyperlocal news service In Your Area, said on a fundraising page set up for the event: “It’s unacceptable that more than half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within three months.

“We were lucky that Dad managed to fight on for slightly longer.”

He added: “Please support me and my fundraising.

“Together we can make a difference and fund world-leading research to find that breakthrough in new treatments and improve the speed of diagnosis, or at least achieve earlier diagnosis for many.”

Ed returned to work on Monday after a break of almost four weeks following his father’s funeral.

Speaking to HTFP, he said: “Thanks to all of my colleagues at Reach who have sent messages of support in what’s been a very difficult last six months.

“I am very thankful to work with such supportive and brilliant teams.”

To donate to Ed’s cause, click here.