Maureen Priestley and husband Malcolm, of Backhold Lane, Siddal, Halifax, were childhood sweethearts who would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year.

Now he is organising a 28-mile trek to raise funds for Huddersfield Royal Infirmary's oncology ward.

Mr Priestley, 60, said: "When Maureen passed away it ripped me apart. I loved her so much.

"But now I want to make sure her life is remembered and I know she would have been 100 per cent behind something like this."

Mrs Priestley, a former school cleaner, died on April 2 2006 just weeks after being diagnosed with the illness.

Mr Priestley, a retired bus cleaner, who met her when he was just 16, said: "She was a real family woman, so special.

"She meant everything to me.

"It was heartbreaking for us all when she passed away but we're determined to get something positive from the situation."

The walk from Halifax to Old Trafford football ground – Mrs Priestley was a massive Manchester United follower – will be completed by Mr Priestley, his daughters Elaina, 38, and Amanda, 34, her partner Martin, 36, and Mr Priestley's sister, Valerie, 53.

It will take place on October 18 and the family hopes to raise more than £500.

Amanda, a hotel worker, of Mount Tabor, added: "It's a hell of a trek but we know Mum will be at the other end, encouraging us along, telling us to get a move on.

"And maybe now we've got the bug, we'll do even more afterwards."

Mrs Priestley left behind one other daughter, Lynette, 31, two sons, Malcolm, 37, and Carl, 36, and 21 grandchildren.