They have run marathons, sold goods at flea markets, organised fun days, and motorbiked from one end of Australia to the other.

Now the dedication of four local men has paid off – with their impressive escapades raising thousands of pounds for Norwich-based charity Big C.

All four raised money in memory of their wives who died of cancer as part of the charity's Lavender Fund scheme.

At 59, retired engineer Peter Walker is not your typical explorer. But in October last year he motorbiked from Brisbane to Perth, through floods and desert, in memory of his wife Linda.

His 6,500-mile adventure across Australia raised �7,000 for Big C. He said: 'It was during the floods. The Australian mechanics couldn't believe I was doing it in that weather,' said Mr Walker, of St Catherine's Road, Thorpe St Andrew.

'I got soaking wet every day. For Australia in the summer it was just unheard of. The desert, the Nullarbor Plain they call it, was very different. There's nothing there. It was beautiful. It was good for me to come to terms with what had happened to me.'

Bryan Cole, of Park Avenue, Barford, has raised more than �10,000 in memory of his late wife Maureen since 2008. He takes part in the Big C Cuppa every year with daughter Rachel, grand-daughter Kate and close friends. He also arranged his own Big C Walk of Thoughts and others.

Mr Cole, 74, a retired Debenhams retail manager, said: 'It is vital to make people aware of how important it is that if you do lose somebody to keep their name alive. One of the things you could do is get involved with a charity; your friends will come with you.

'It has been a real comfort to me. My friends and I are still able to talk about Maureen as if she's still here and I think that is attributed to the charity work we've done.'

Teddie Round, of Ostend Road, Walcott, in north Norfolk, has raised more than �9,000 for the Margaret Rose Round Lavender Fund, in memory of his late wife.

Mr Round, who sells goods at flea markets, puts collection tins in local businesses and works with a team of friends and family putting on events. He said: 'It keeps the memory alive and helps local causes. It is a wonderful thing. I don't think any of us are looking for a pat on the back. It's about the Big C and what they do.'

Since Scott Walker, of Taverham, opened his Lavender Fund in 2010 in memory of wife Jayne, he has raised nearly �8,000. He runs half-marathons supported by friends and family, and his friend Kirstie Bird ran the London Marathon, raising �2,000.

To open a Lavender Fund in memory of someone, go to www.big-c.co.uk/lavenderonline

For more information, call 01603 619900 or visit www.big-c.co.uk