A DYING father managed to make a last trip out to watch his sons tackle a swimming challenge in his name.

Well-known businessman David Benjamin, of Ambleside, was able to attend the Great North Swim where two of his three sons braved two miles in the waters of Windermere to raise thousands for the cancer foundation that helped treat him.

Despite being given three weeks to live, the 53-year-old lost his fight with skin cancer just days later and died at home surrounded by his family.

Mr Benjamin's son Alex, 21, said: "His last outing was the swim which he managed to come to with his friends. He managed to stand up and watch us. I'm so happy he got to the swim because he wasn't going to come.

Alex and his 18-year-old brother Oliver smashed their target of £3,500 and have so far raised £5,774.98 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation in Preston.

Between 500 and 700 people turned out to the funeral of Mr Benjamin, who owned Matthews Benjamin Estate Agents and Fine and Country Lakes and North Lancs.

Paying tribute to his dad on behalf of his brothers Oliver, James, 24, and mum Deborah, Alex said: "He was hard working all the time and everyone loved him.

"He was really generous. If someone needed advice he would give it to them for free because he believed what goes around comes around.

"He was a bubbly character and had a great sense of humour."

Mr Benjamin moved to the Lake District from the Lancaster area in 1988 with wife Deborah, 52.

The pair had been married for 27 years after first meeting at school and getting together during sixth form.

Edge Hill University student Alex said his father was 'really active' and enjoyed road biking, playing rugby and football.

The 'massive' Manchester United fan helped set up the junior side of Ambleside Football Club in 2000 and continued to help out while his three children were a part of it, later taking a back seat after his diagnosis.

He had been suffering from cancer on and off for the last eight years.

Alex said the disease has already had a huge impact on the family, claiming the lives of both his grandfathers and affecting his uncle.

The brothers' fundraising page is still open and donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/Alex-Benjamin