A BRAVE serviceman is preparing to tackle a gruelling self-set challenge in memory of his beloved brother who died of cancer.

Captain Simon Mander, 51, of Colchester, has served in the Army for the past 34 years.

His and his family’s world was rocked when his brother Chris, 60, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016 which spread to his chest.

The regimental sergeant major, who had served for 22 years, had fought the disease for two and a half years before he died on December 29.

Despite his inspiring positivity in the face of adversity, Captain Mander says his brother’s fate was, sadly, inevitable.

“The first year and a half we were making every wish possible it would be positive, but towards the end it was blatant we would run out of time.

“It was very difficult because most of my family have served in the Army, so you can’t always be there when you want to be there, and it does make it harder.”

Captain Mander decided to focus his efforts on raising money for Cancer Research UK, in support of his brother.

But as interest in what he was looking to do grew, so did the number of people willing to take part.

He has now organised a 24-hour test of endurance which will see participants walk around Mersea Island four times.

The group of eight people, which consists of predominantly military personal, will cover 52 miles, the equivalent of two marathons.

A larger group of family and friends will also join the trekkers for the final lap.

Captain Mander said: “It had to be a challenge first of all and with some physical effort.

“It was obvious it was going to be a case of walking around somewhere and all my mates, who are parachute trained or commando trained, were up for it as well.

“My brother would have loved to do it as well, so it seemed a good way to bring people together.

“People were saying they would love to do it because they had also been affected by cancer in some way.

“It was a common theme throughout the whole group, and it is quite humbling and amazing how many people are taking part or contributing.”

The walk will take place on May 1, starting at Seaview Holiday Park in West Mersea.

To sponsor Simon, visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/simons-giving-page-503.