A KNUTSFORD employee has completed a mammoth 500 mile challenge to raise money and awareness for oral cancer.

Karen McBarrons, a dental hygienist at Gaskell Avenue Dental Practice, cycled and ran more than 500 miles, raising more than £1,200 for the Ben Walton Trust for oral cancer research.

Karen took park in a 5km run, two 10km runs as well as a five mile race, the Wilmslow half Marathons, The Cheshire Cat 107 mile cycle, Tutbury tougher, Matlock madness, ending with a 110 mile ride to Llangollen and back.

She said: “I decided I was going to run and cycle 500 miles for cancer research because I work in a dental practise and oral cancer is something we actively look for.

“Ben was only 23 when he died of oral cancer. He had an ulcer for quite a long time and when he went to his doctor it was too late.

“I thought I will do it for that because of what it stands for.”

Karen had not originally set the 500 mile run, and came up with idea after being invited to run the Wilmslow half marathon with her friend.

She continued to take part in charity events, until the total mileage came to 300 miles.

“I got to 300 and I thought I will just go to 333 miles,” she said. “I thought- that’s just a silly number, I will do 500, 500 miles for Ben.

“All in all it was a massive achievement. I was talking about cancer to everyone who asked me what I was doing.

“Every time patients come in they are being checked for cancer, and this is something that can be prevented. Early diagnosis is very important.

“It has been good for everybody. I was happy to do something really good, to do it myself and to force myself to make this great effort.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated. Everyone has been so so generous. I have am so overwhelmed.”

Karen is now preparing to take part in the Manchester 100 mile bike ride on September 13.