On the tenth anniversary of Nickos Efthymiou's death, his family and friends did something special to honour his memory.

A group of 13 family members and close friends from Purley paid tribute to Nickos by completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge while also raising nearly £3,000 for vulnerable children.

Nickos, who was always the life and soul of any social event and a respected Associate Director Pharmacist at a local NHS Primary Care Trust, passed away in July 2007 from colon cancer.

During his life he cared a great deal about children and their welfare so his family chose to support The Children’s Society ever since.

The team completed the 24 mile hike in 12 hours to support The Children’s Society’s work with young people affected by abuse, hardship and neglect. Together they have surpassed their fundraising target and raised £2,815 so far.

Nickos’ daughter Nicole paid a touching tribute to their dad.

"Although gone physically, our dad’s love and kindness can still be felt every day, which is testament to the amazing person he was," Nicole said.

"In his memory, we decided to do something that would challenge us but also raise some money for a cause very close to his heart.

“It was a very tough day, but I feel so proud of the whole group for their willpower to soldier on through the changing weather and tough terrain. We’re delighted that the money we have raised will go towards helping The Children’s Society and its important work.”

The team’s main online sponsorship page can be viewed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nicole-efthymiou