THREE cousins are stepping out to raise funds for a charity that helped their families when their grandfather was diagnosed with cancer.

Jess Hale, Izzie Gazzard and Lauren Rodway of Cinderford are doing the 10,000 steps a day through November in aid of Pancreatic Cancer.

Their grandad, Julian Gazzard, was a stalwart of Cinderford Rugby Club and a much loved and respected figure in the town and beyond.

He died aged 79 on September 3 just three months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just three months earlier.

Jess said: “We lost our grandad at the beginning of September and my cousin Issy came across the Pancreatic Cancer 10,000 steps a day challenge.

“We decided to do it as a team in order to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer – when he was diagnosed they were really supportive of my nan and with the information they gave us as a family.”

“Issy has two small children who keep her busy and Lauren works in the medical centre in Cinderford.

“I mostly take the dogs for a walk but there have been occasions where I’ve stood in the living room marching on the spot.”

Jess is an administrator at the University of Gloucestershire but is currently working from home which she says has made it more challenging.

She said her grandfather was a “massive part of our lives”.

Jess added: “He was the glue that held us together.

“He was a massive part of the community and did a lot to help people

“He was really kind, really funny and he is missed.”

The cousins’ grandmother, Judith, said she was proud of the way they had stuck to the task since the beginning of the month.

She said: “Even in this weather, they are still doing their steps.”

Mr Gazzard played rugby for Cinderford and was then a long-serving member of the committee. He also played crib in Woolaston league.

He was made an honorary member of the club that he was a part of for 60 years, served in several roles including fixtures secretary and never missed a game at Dockham Road.

The three cousins have already raised nearly £1,000 and their efforts can be supported through a Facebook page or by using a donation box at the Dockham Road surgery.

To donate through Facebook search for Julian Gazzard in the fund-raising section.