BRIDPORT News reporter Jessica Rees has been on a fundraising pilgrimage on the Jurassic coast in memory of her sister who lost a battle with leukaemia.

Jessica, 27, from Weymouth, hiked the entire length of the Jurassic Coast last week to fundraise for CLIC Sargent, which supported her family during her sister’s illness.

Her sister, Alex Birkenhead nee Rees, passed away in 2008 aged 24.

So far, Jessica has raised £1472.50 from donations from family, friends and strangers.

Jessica said: "Hiking the Jurassic coast in one go was always something I wanted to do, having spent so much time walking sections of it before, and I thought it was a great opportunity to raise money and awareness for CLIC at the same time."

The Jurassic coast is 95 miles long and Jessica started in Exmouth in Devon on the South West Coast Path. and reached Old Harry Rocks 95 miles later on Saturday.

Jessica said: "It definitely wasn't a walk in the park, there are a lot of hills to climb. But it kept it interesting and a real challenge and I discovered some great new spots.

"The hardest part I found wasn't the highest hills or Golden Cap, but the undercliff into Lyme Regis.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

SISTERS: Jessica Rees, right, and her beloved sister Alex

"It's six miles or so of forests, steps and mud and I had already walked 14 miles that day so it was getting late. I pushed on and reached Lyme just as the sun set, but I won't be repeating that walk any time soon!"

Jessica said although her sister died some time ago it doesn't get any easier thinking about her.

She said: "I’m one of four sisters and she was always the life and soul of every party. Her memory very much lives on in my family and with her friends.

"The walk was a time out for me to spend a week enjoying the outdoors and remembering the good times shared with my sister.

"I was incredibly lucky and didn't have a spot of rain for the walk, just lots of sun, and blustery days getting windburn on the top of the cliffs.

"Camping along the way I met some wonderful people and another family walking near Kimmeridge who had been supported by CLIC when their son was ill."

Last year CLIC Sargent provided in depth support to 76 families in Dorset. It costs CLIC Sargent around £4,000 to support each young person through their treatment, which can last up to three years.

Jessica said: “We will always be indebted to CLIC. I'm incredibly thankful for everyone's support for the walk and the amount raised.

"The Jurassic coast is so dramatic and beautiful and I enjoyed every moment on the coast – and especially the ice creams and pasty pit stops in the seaside towns!"

To donate to Jess' challenge, please click here