As the youngest person taking part in the 12-mile walk around Portsmouth for The Rowans Hospice, Shannon wanted to make her father proud.

James died aged 40 on January 12 this year – just seven months after being diagnosed with skin cancer.

He started chemotherapy immediately, but the melanoma was already too far advanced and by December he had to spend time at the Purbrook hospice, which cares for cancer patients in their last weeks of life.

Mum Julie, of Newtown, Portchester, also took part in the walk, and said: 'Shannon was desperate to take part beforehand. Originally she was only going to do half the walk – but she made it all the way to the end.

'The last three miles Shannon really struggled, but she was determined to do it.

'I am so proud of her for finishing it – it's quite a feat.'

And it was a real family affair with James' stepson Jake Baines, his mum Cathleen Rose, and his two sisters Diane Rose and Tara Rose all taking part.

'James was a builder so he would spend all day in the sun with his shirt off,' added the mum of four. 'You never think it's going to happen, but I won't let the kids go out now unless they're smothered in sun cream.

'Just before Christmas James had to spend 10 days in The Rowans, and they were absolutely fantastic.

'He came home for Christmas, but he had to go back in again on January 10. Two days later he died.

'Even now Shannon is going to The Rowans for counselling – they've been so good to us.'

Almost 2,000 walkers gathered at Castle Field in Southsea to start the walk at midnight last Saturday.

The route went along Southsea seafront, through Old Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays, around HMS Victory in the Historic Dockyard and then to Eastney with the last participants arriving back at Castle Field at about 5am on Sunday.

Pictures and video from the walk