Rockland All Saints father and son to embark on charity trek along the Great Wall of China as touching tribute to mother

Andrew Roebuck along with his father Paul, will be walking the Great Wall of China in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Uk, Andrew lost his mum Iris recently.Picture by: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant norfolk)

Andrew Roebuck will be joined by his 76-year-old father Paul on the expedition, which will see the duo walking for up to 11 hours a day to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The 43-year-old witnessed the cruel effects of the disease when he stepped in to care for his mother Iris when she was diagnosed last year.

'She was fine and was still eating for the first couple of days, but for the last three days there was barely any consciousness. In that period of time it was quite horrible to watch what the disease does to a person.

'Three and a half weeks before that she'd done a four-mile beach walk with my dad,' he said.

For the next year Mr Roebuck, of Rockland All Saints, struggled to come to terms with the loss, but signed up for the expedition as soon as he could.

Describing it as a 'nice tribute to mum', Mr Roebuck, who owns an estate agent in Attleborough, added that his father was eager to boost the funds.

'I've only been around for 43 years, but my dad had been with her for much longer. It completely took him by surprise. I'm glad to be doing it with dad - we were told it's the first time a father and son have done the challenge together, too,' he said.

The pair will embark on their trek on Friday, October 17 and will be part of a 30-strong team. It will finish at Heaven's Ladder - a steep climb of more than 200 steps.

'It will be a challenge - but it will be fun and I am pleased to be doing it with my dad,' he added.

To sponsor Mr Roebuck, visit www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Roebuck

Do you have an Attleborough story? Contact reporter Lauren Cope on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk