A family is about to set off on an emotional midnight charity walk in memory of a brave dad who died recently after a battle with cancer.

Kim Claydon and her relatives were hoping to join the walk for Saint Francis Hospice while her father Charles Claydon, of Second Avenue, Dagenham, was alive. Sadly his life was cut short at 62 by the disease on Sunday, June 12.

But “Charlie’s Angels” have vowed to press ahead with the 10k walk to raise money for the hospice where he was cared for.

Kim, 37, also from Dagenham, said: “I love my Dad with all my heart. He has been there for me through thick and thin.

“He has always supported me and nagged me when I needed it. He would drop everything if any of us ever asked him to. He has been my pillar to lean on, he has given me my fight and determination that makes me the person I am today.”

Charles was rushed home from a dream trip to Kenya in August after falling ill and was admitted to Saint Francis Hospice for treatment which allowed him to be home for Christmas.

Kim said: “They treated him like a person – not a number or just another patient – what he said and thought actually mattered.

“He was given his dignity and treated with respect right up until his final moments.

“The staff on duty on his final day were fantastic to us all.”

The team of five are inviting people to join them and hundreds of others for the third annual Star Trek midnight walk starting and finishing at the Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford.

The team that raises the most money for the Havering-atte-Bower-based charity will receive a portion of the moon named after them. Singer Hope Murphy and Bollywood dancers will entertain the walkers before they set off.

n Places cost �15 and anyone interested is asked to email walk@sfh.org.uk or call 01708 771427.