Grandparents Robert and Ana Maria Gomez, from Weybridge, are heading off on the second leg of their overseas walking challenge from Rome to Gibraltar for Kingston-based Momentum Children's Charity, covering an astonishing 2,500 miles.

The determined duo will fly from London Heathrow to Toulouse, France, on Sunday, 13 September to continue their incredible journey.

Having already completed approximately half the journey, Robert and Ana Maria will now trek a further two million steps and 1300 miles to reach their ultimate goal of four Million steps for their granddaughter Mabel, who was diagnosed with cancer when she was just two years old, raising vital funds for Momentum.

Touching on why they are fundraising for Momentum, Robert said: "We chose this journey to mirror Mabel's courage as an example to others, to thank our NHS for their care and above all, to thank Momentum.

"They stood by Mabel and our family from day one and still support us now. Their expertise and kindness for families affected by cancer is an inspiration to everyone."

Mabel, who is now 6 years old, completed her cancer treatment at Kingston Hospital last year.

At 81 and 78, Robert and Ana Maria are proving that age is no barrier to adventure. The couple embarked on the extraordinary walking challenge in March and returned to the UK in June.

Schengen visa restrictions meant the couple had to split their challenge into two stages, with the rules allowing them to spend only 90 days within the Schengen Area during any 180-day period.

Talking about the first stage of the walk, Robert said: "We found the first stage of our walk much harder than we anticipated, a combination of harsher terrain and being that little bit older, I guess.

"Each time we felt we could not go on, we remembered everything that Mabel endured, which was much worse than any aches and pains we might suffer.

"In the family, we have a saying that epitomises Mabel's resilience in the face of such adversity- 'Be more Mabel!'. No matter what life threw at her she was always smiling always ready for the next challenge. We take our inspiration from her and nothing will stop us from reaching our goal."

Robert continued: "We estimate that the second stage will take us 88 days including a short number of rest days. We only have 90 days to play with so it's going to be touch and go.

"Mabel is living a normal life again, she has just started Year Two at school and is seeing us off at the airport on Sunday. We expect she will be waiting for us when we return in December with her usual smiley face and an enormous hug."

Momentum Children's Charity supports families across London, Surrey and Sussex whose children are facing cancer or a life-challenging condition.

The charity partners with local hospitals, including Kingston Hospital, to offer personally tailored support to the entire family through their family support workers, both in hospital and at home.

Robert and Ana Maria have set themselves a £6,000 fundraising target for Momentum. You can help them reach this by sponsoring them here.

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