THE families of three bothers who all died within seven months of each other have taken part in an emotional pilgrimage in their memory.

Around 20 relatives of Gerald, Norman and Richard Power trekked 19 miles between the men's homes a year on from the first death.

And they used the occasion to raise £2,910.86 sponsorship for the Love Musgrove MRI scanner appeal at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

One of the brothers' five surviving siblings said: "The walk was dedicated to them.

"There were mixed emotions - happy memories tinged with sadness."

Gerald, known as Jack, died aged 72 on September 13 last year due to post-operation complications.

Norman, often called Nige, was 82 when he died from heart and kidney problems exactly a month later.

And Richard, nicknamed Ticker, died suddenly from heart problems at 69 pm April 23 this year.

READ MORE: News on the Love Musgrove Appeal

The walk started in Cotford St Luke, where Richard lived, heading through Bishops Lydeard, home to Norman, and across the Quantock Hills to Watchet, where Gerald lived, finishing at the Royal British Legion Club.

"It was very emotional when we walked into Watchet," said the member of the Power family, "but the shandies and the beers tasted good after such a long walk.

"We hope to hold an annual event, although I'm not sure we'll be walking 19 miles again.

"We were upset to lose Gerald, but it compounded it when Norman died just one month later and then Richard died six months afterwards.

"We're getting a little bit closer to accepting our loss now, but obviously the widows and children are still grieving as they always will do.

"But it was nice to all get together to remember the three of them and we're very grateful to everyone who kindly sponsored us."