A FORMER Saville Row tailor and designer had the support of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire as he set off on a charity walk from Bolton Abbey on Sunday.

Rupert Lycett-Green, 77, and his dog Spot, aim to walk 140 miles over the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in memory of his beloved wife, Candida, a legendary writer, author and journalist, to raise as much as possible for charity.

The Duke and Duchess posed for photos outside The Manor House at Bolton Abbey with the 30-strong team of walkers, which included Emma Bridgwater, Edward Fox and Joanna David.

The walk is in support a charity close to Rupert's heart, Pancreatic Cancer Action. Candida, the daughter of poet, broadcaster and architect critic, Sir John Betjeman, died of pancreatic cancer in August 2014, just nine months from diagnosis.

The route – beginning at Bolton Abbey and culminating in the picturesque Northumbrian village of Ingram – is taken from Candida's book, Over The Hills And Far Away, which she wrote about her own expedition with a friend on horseback in 2001.

Rupert said: "Beautiful, funny and kind, Candida braved it out for nine months after she was told she had the disease.

"She always felt that journeys were to be enjoyed to the maximum and hang the destination.

“Before her death, Candida fundraised for the charity with our daughter, Imogen, saying that pancreatic cancer was 'the Sheffield Wednesday' of tumours due to how little research funding was spent on the disease. This is why I wanted to do something to continue her campaign for more funding and awareness of the disease.”

Ali Stunt, founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: "We are very grateful to Rupert and all his family and friends, for giving their time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action. They are still dealing with the enormous loss of Candida, who was an inspirational woman, determined to raise awareness despite being very ill herself."

Visit spotandrupert.co.uk if you would like to join Rupert and Spot on their Over The Hills And Far Away walk or to donate.

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