"SHE would be extremely embarrassed but very, very proud - and find it hilarious - so many people wearing T-shirts with her face on them."

That's Matt Davies' immediate response when asked what his late wife would make of so many people taking part in the K2B to raise money in her memory

A much-loved Evening Mail journalist with a passion for the K2B, Jo Davies died in August 2015, aged 38, five-and-a-half years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Since her death, the Go For Jo appeal has raised £67,000 through various activities, way beyond anyone's expectations, according to Matt, who is the newspaper's sports editor.

Initially set up to benefit the Eve Appeal national women's cancer charity, it has expanded to also help two local causes, Furness General Hospital's oncology unit and St Mary's Hospice, whose nurses visited Jo.

Last year's walk pulled in £4,000 and this Saturday a team of 30 will be walking for Go For Jo.

"It's a mixture of former colleagues and friends, and friends of friends," said Matt. "They range in age from early 20s to late 50s and all levels of fitness. A couple are going to run it while there are a few first-timers who will be happy just to finish.

"It's all testament to Jo's popularity."

For the Go for Jo team members and the wider K2B community, Jo will always be associated with the event which she supported for most of her life, from the times she walked it in her youth through to the pleasure she took in covering it for the Evening Mail or volunteering to help on the big day.

Evening Mail editor James Higgins was proud to have taken part last year. “I said 'never again' after completing my first Keswick to Barrow in 2014, but when my colleagues assembled a team which would walk in memory of our amazing colleague, there was no way I was not going to be involved.

“It was gruelling and the diversion brought about by the damage caused in Storm Desmond made the route more challenging than ever.

“But, all the time, I had Jo's battle and the immeasurable bravery and spirit she showed at the forefront of my mind. A 42-mile walk paled into insignificance in comparison.”

Matt will be on the support crew this year.

He said: "I do a lot of triathlons and other events and don't want to damage my knees further. I'll be helping hand out refreshments and good cheer.

"It's just a great event, lots of stories, and lots of people in pain!" added Matt.

"As well as walking it, Jo enjoyed covering it for the Evening Mail. She'd would be there with her notebook and I'd be hanging around in the background.

"I'd like to say a massive debt of gratitude to everyone who supports it. I wish everyone the best of luck and will be there supporting them. Jo would be very proud of them."