A TEENAGER from Colwyn Bay has raised more than £2,500 for charity after completing a 100 mile trek in memory of her famous aunt.

Ruby Lander took on a gruelling four-day walk from Colwyn Bay, where she now lives, to her former home in Huddersfield to raise money for Sarcoma UK.

Sarcoma is a rare form of bone cancer that tragically took the life of Ruby's aunt Carey Lander in 2015.

Carey was known all over the world as the keyboardist and singer with Glasgow indie pop band Camera Obscura and remains an inspiration to Ruby. 

"She always used to inspire and encourage me in my music," said the 17-year-old. "Now my dad helps teach me and I play piano and guitar at the Princes Drive Baptist Church in Colwyn Bay."

But Carey inspired more than Ruby's musical achievements.

"The walk was kind of an impulsive idea at first," she said. "I remember joking about not being able to get a lift to Huddersfield and so maybe walking instead.

"When I actually looked at it it looked tough, but do-able, and I started to think perhaps I could do it for charity, with Sarcoma UK already in mind. When I spoke to my parents they were really behind the idea so the challenge was born!"

Ruby set up a JustGiving page and trained for three months, walking longer and longer distances and reaching a maximum of 21 miles in a day before starting her journey. She also saved her money from her part-time job at the St George Hotel in Llandudno to pay for hotel accommodation along the way.

When Ysgol Eirias broke up for the summer, the following day the A level student embarked on her walk - starting at 8am at Porth Eirias and clocking up a personal best 32 miles.

On day two she put in another 32 miles and on day three she completed 23, leaving 23 for the final day.

Ruby Lander with her final mile team in Huddersfield.Ruby Lander with her final mile team in Huddersfield. (Image: Sarah Lander)

At times she was joined by friends, family and supporters with a core group joining her for the final mile to spur her on to the finish line.

"It was really hard," she said. "I've never done any sort of endurance challenge before so it was really difficult. But I'm really proud that I have done it.

"I set out hoping to raise £500 but thanks to the people's generosity, with Gift Aid we have will have raised over £3,000 for Sarcoma UK."