Friends of the late Ruth David have raised more than £8,500 by retracing some of her favourite places in a sponsored walk in her memory.

Ms David, 54, tragically passed away in September last year following a battle with cancer. She spent her last days in the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.

Her friends decided to take to the road as a tribute to her, while also raising money for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and Penny Brohn Cancer Care in Bristol.

More than 40 of Ruth’s friends took part in the walk.

Melanie King described the walk as a ‘wonderful tribute to a fantastic friend’.

She said: “Walkies with Woof raised an incredible £8,712.30 which was split between the two charities.”

Penny Brohn cancer care in Bristol said their share was the largest amount given by single community event.

Events officer Emma Smith said the £4,339.02 raised for them could fund 123 people through their support clinic.

The friends began walking in Crewkerne, where Ruth lived, before continuing through Bridport, Beaminster, Mosterton and West Bay.

Emma added: “We’re so grateful for the support of Melanie and her friends.”

Grant Usmar, director of fundraising at Weldmar, hailed the walk as ‘an amazing effort’.

He added: “Well done to Melanie for organising such a successful event and a sterling effort by all of those who took part and did so well with their fundraising.

“The event really was a great tribute to Ruth and helped to show what she meant to so many people.

“It is only with the support of our community, including amazing people like Melanie, that Weldmar staff can continue to be there for people when they need us most.”

Melanie added that Ruth was born in Stoke Abbott and lived in Dorset all her life.

She worked at Girling and Bowditch veterinary practice for 35 years.

She said: “Ruth was my best and closest friend and when she died last year I had a great hole in my life and had to focus on doing something. Ruth was a very special person who was loved by everyone.”

To donate visit justgiving. com/Melanie-King4 or call Melanie at The Mop Shop, Beaminster, on 01308 863323.