FROM Canary Wharf to Kuala Lumpur more than 200 people walked to remember a father-of-two who died of a brain tumour aged just 39.

David Hetherington, of Woodford Green, lost his six-year battle with a brain tumour in November last year.

His death left wife Shaz, five-year-old daughter Layla, and three-year-old son Daniel devastated.

But less than a year later, on what have been his 40th birthday (Sunday, August 6), the family led around 100 of his relatives, friends, and former colleagues on a sponsored walk to remember him and raise money for charity Brain Tumour Research.

The Walk4David40 event started near the HSBC tower in Canary Wharf where Mr and Mrs Hetherington, 40, first met at work.

As his family released 40 balloons to remember him in London, similar walks took place where he grew up in Carlisle, and several other locations across the globe, including Florida, Brisbane, Kuala Lumpur, Spain, and Bulgaria.

Speaking after completing the five and 10 kilometre routes, Mrs Hetherington said: “The day was completely overwhelming.

“It was a very bitter sweet experience and totally heart-wrenching that so many people thought so much of David that they came along with their families.

“It is wonderful that he made such an impression on so many people.”

David was looked after at Woodland Grove care home in Loughton during his final three weeks, where Mrs Hetherington said staff were "exceptional".

The walks have raised £8,500 so far worldwide, which Brain Tumour Research hopes will help see the Government’s annual spend for the disease increase from £30 to £35 million and ultimately find a cure.

To donate to David’s fund, see the website.