A FAMILY will be going on a physical and emotional journey to remember their son and brother who died from bowel cancer aged just 30.

Karl Sears had been married for less than a year when he died suddenly and prematurely.

Now his family are walking together to raise awareness of the killer disease and funds to fight it.

Karl’s sister, Linda Studd, 37, will be taking part in Walk Together in London on September 14 along with parents Janet and Bob Sears, her sister Vanessa Sears and her brother and sister-in-law Lee Sears and Vikki Rose.

They are determined to make more people aware of the disease and raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK.

Karl was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in July 2017.

Previously young, fit and healthy, his family said he faced his disease with courage and determination.

He died in March last year.

Linda said: “Losing Karl was a total shock to the system.

“He’d been married for less than a year and had everything to live for.

“By joining Walk Together we want raise money, but also raise awareness that bowel cancer can affect you no matter how young, fit or healthy you are.

“Everyone should be aware of the symptoms.”

The charity has organised a five-mile walk along the River Thames from Tower Bridge, which will pass iconic city sites such as Shakespeare’s Globe and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The family is seeing it as a perfect opportunity to bring others together to show their support for those undergoing treatment, remember loved ones and raise funds to help prevent deaths.

Vicky Martin, community fundraising manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We are thrilled to have Linda and the team taking part in Walk Together and raising funds for the charity.

“For us it means we can continue with our vital work of saving lives and improving the quality of life for everyone affected by bowel cancer.

“Walk Together is for all ages and abilities and you can walk with friends, family and colleagues, or invite your community to join you.”

Bowel cancer is the country’s fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer.

Every year almost 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 16,000 people die from the disease.

However, it is treatable and curable if diagnosed early.

The main symptoms are blood in stools, change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness and a pain or lump in the stomach.

To donate to the family’s fundraising page visit www.justgiving.com/teamkarl.

To sign up to Walk Together in London or receive a fundraising pack to hold a memorable walk, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/walktogether.