A housing association employee has taken part in a 75-mile trek across the Lake District in memory of his friend who died just four days after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

Bobby Surrey, who works for Together Housing, took part in the trek, across five days between Tuesday 26 and Saturday 30 September, in honour of his beloved friend Sam Hawarden.

Bobby, 41, was part of a group of 12, including Sam's brother, Carl Hawarden. 

Sam, who lived in Grimsargh with his wife Emily, lost his life in May after suddenly being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Sam and Emily began their year welcoming their first child, a baby girl in February, but weeks after the birth of his daughter, Georgia, Sam began experiencing painful headaches.

For weeks, he visited his GP and even the A&E at times, but months later, on May 26, Sam was rushed into hospital with suspected symptoms of stroke.

Within a matter of days, he was instead diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour and rushed into surgery on May 29.

Tragically, Sam never recovered from the operation and died on May 30, just four days after his admittance to hospital.

Sam’s brother, Carl, 34, says “a trail of devastation” was left after the sudden nature of his death.

Carl said: “Sam had such an impact on everyone he met, through his job as a financial adviser, his friendship groups and his family too.

“He was a keen golfer and had a dog, Louis. Sam loved going to the Lakes with his wife and dog, he was a very active social and family-oriented person and had it all going for him really. Losing Sam at 32 is the most painful thing we have ever experienced.

“We have seen first-hand the terrible impact that brain tumours can inflict and the shockwave of devastation as family and friends come to terms with the news."

Sam’s love of Cumbria motivated Carl to set up a fundraiser in his name, which at the time of writing had amassed almost £20,000.

Carl added: “We wanted to do something challenging, and Sam loved the lakes. One of the things he said often was how much he wanted to go up there more with friends and as a family.

“This fundraiser will help us to provide hope and support to others who find themselves in the same unfortunate position. Sam lived an incredible life filled with thoughtfulness and generosity. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son and friend to so many.”

Bobby who has been friends with Sam and his family for many years said: “At the funeral I could see how many people turned up and it was testament to the life Sam lived.

"He was such an amazing person and so successful in life. He was very inspirational, it heart breaking to see the family go through that.

“As a friend and a father, myself, Sam’s death really hits home so it’s the least I can do to take part in this fundraising for such a worthy cause.”

To help raise funds in Sam’s honour, Carl has a set up a Just Giving Page. If you would like to donate, you can find the link to the page here.