The five workers walked 13 miles in full protective kit, and have raised thousands of pounds for Isla Caton who has stage four neuroblastoma.

A group of railway workers walked 13 miles along the tracks from Forest Gate to Brentwood to raise funds for three-year-old Isla Caton who has a rare form of cancer.

The five colleagues, Andy Smith, Eddie Boateng, Allison Cameron, Terry Dorrell and Simon Mackie - who all work for CrossRail Anglia - set off in full protective kit shortly after 9am on Sunday, February 18 and completed the walk in just over six hours.

So far the group has raised more than £6,000 for Isla - which will go towards sending her to America so she can receive potentially lifesaving treatment.

Isla was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in March last year, and has been receiving treatment for the cancer ever since.

The Recorder spoke to Isla’s dad, Michael Hook, last week, and he told of the heartbreaking news that his daughter’s cancer had returned, and that she was going to have to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy all over again.

Michael, and Isla’s mum, Nikki Caton, have been trying to raise £192,000 to pay for their little girl to travel to America to receive the Bivalent vaccine, at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Andy Smith, who took part in the walk, told the Recorder: “Along the way we received lots of support and many donations, which we all really appreciated.

“A truly heartfelt thank you to you all.

“We have been asked by Isla’s family to pass on their deepest thanks, love and appreciation.

“At times the going was really tough, 13 miles on ballast really takes its toll.

“Poor Allison’s feet are covered in blisters but like a true trooper she soldiered on to the end and what a finish it was.

“As we approached the finish line we could see well-wishers on the platform. As we climbed that last platform ramp we received the greatest gift of all. Little Isla with mum and dad Nichola and Michael cheering us on.

“At that moment all the aches pains and blisters faded into insignificance and made it all worthwhile.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/ontrack4isla