Littlehampton duo united in their aim to remember loved ones

Littlehampton mayor Emma Neno and businesswoman Kayleigh Butters, owner of Inspire Baths, in Pier Road, took part in an emotional walk along the seafront on Sunday (November 18), raising more than £1,200 for two cancer charities close to their heats – Cancerwise and CyberKnife.

The eight-mile route along the coast took them from Littlehampton Pier to Worthing Pier.

Emma took part to pay tribute to her beloved grandmother Kathie Brewster, who died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma less than a week before the walk, aged 86.

Kayleigh completed the stroll to generate funds for CyberKnife – a charity which has been assisting her terminally-ill uncle, Peter, who doctors say has just months left to live.

Kayleigh, 27, arranged the fund-raiser after meeting Emma at the opening of Inspire Baths, earlier this year.

She said: “The walk was very emotional. Some tears were certainly shed in the morning.

“My uncle was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February. Doctors later said there was nothing they could do for him.

“That was completely devastating. Me and him are so close. I cried for days when I heard.

“Obviously, I can’t do anything to help him. But I wanted to try to do something to help others and when I met Emma, the idea just clicked.”

They completed the distance in around two-and-a-half hours.

Emma said the walk was an “incredible experience” and was amazed at the generosity of all the passers-by who donated a total of £240,

“The day was perfect. It was a brilliant tribute to my gran. She was a wonderful person who was always there for me.

“It was heartbreaking when she died.

“But it was lovely to be able to share my feelings with Kayleigh, who is going through a similar experience.”

The two women will be hosting a charity raffle next month.