A man has helped raise money to fight the disease that killed his wife by trekking across the iconic O2 Arena – on his 78th birthday.

Derek Dawson, from Epping, lost his wife to ovarian cancer in 2005 and has dedicated himself to raising money to fight the disease by taking on a different challenge each year.

Sports club member Mr Dawson has already sky-dived, taken a balloon flight and gone hand gliding, and he took on a completely new challenge this year.

On Wednesday (June 17), he scaled the O2 Arena in Greenwich and has so far raised £550.

Epping Sports Centre manager Jade Cooper said: “This is a huge achievement for Derek and a fantastic example that you are never too old to challenge yourself and do the things you have always wanted to do.

“We are extremely proud of Derek and want to help him raise as much money as possible for Ovarian Cancer, which is a fantastic charity that means so much to Derek.”

To make a donation to Mr Dawson’s fundraising, email jadecooper@everyoneactive.com or phone 01992 564 564.