A BROTHER and sister from Watchet whose father died last year of a brain tumour will set out on Tuesday on a marathon 2,000-mile indoor climbing tour to raise money for research.

Eliza Pelling, 16, and her 13-year-old brother Stuart came up with the challenge of tackling the walls in 14 indoor climbing centres from Plymouth to Edinburgh in just two weeks, and they aim to raise at least £4,000 for the Headcase Cancer Trust.

“It was their idea,” said their mother Julie, who will be at the wheel of the family’s camper van every mile of the way.

“They decided they wanted to do something positive out of something so devastating and sad so that other families may not have to suffer like they have.

“Life without a father is so very hard.”

The family had moved to Watchet when the Rev Nick Pelling, a keen sailor, was struck down by an inoperable glioblastoma brain tumour. He died in August last year.

“The Headcase Cancer Trust is the only charity in the UK which does research into this particular kind of brain tumour, which is the most common adult type but sadly the most deadly,killing around 5,000 people a year,” Julie said.

“Currently only 1.4 per cent of funds goes into brain tumour research, thus letting a lot of families down.”

Eliza and Stuart decided to raise sponsorship with their epic bouldering (indoor climbing) feat: “Just the three of us will be doing the trip and we will be staying in the camper van ,but we have already had so many generous offers of help and hospitality,” Julie said.

The youngsters plan to spend about three hours climbing ten routes in each centre before continuing their gruelling 2,000-mile round trip.

“I’m really proud of them,” Julie said. “They are determined to meet their target so that we can help find a cure for this horrible disease.”

To contribute to their effort, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/elizastuclimbing