The Beginning

Or, the decision to hike - the project's conception.

Welcome to In Their Honour: Who Will You Hike For?

I wanted to walk Coast to Coast. That's all, initially. To cross the country from one side to another seemed like a big enough challenge - at least in the beginning. When John passed away, I decided that it would make a good fundraiser, and set to considering the logistics.

The problem was, the more research I did, the more I discovered other long-distance paths that looked wonderful, and other challenge-based hikes such as the National and Yorkshire Three Peaks. I'd rediscovered hiking, and its freedom and mental benefits - and this idea of fundraising with it planted itself firmly in my mind and quietly germinated, refusing to let go.

My job with the ambulance service regularly reminds me that life is too short. We are privileged to do the things we love doing, and to spend time with the people we love. John's diagnosis is only further proof of that. I could list many more names in example.

So here we are: with an idea that has firmly taken root and grown into this project. It will launch on February 3rd 2024 - a year to the day since John's beautiful memorial service at Hereford Cathedral, when my thoughts began to solidify into something tangible.

The Project's Aims

• To fundraise for Cancer Research UK, supporting life-saving research

• To honour those living with cancer, or who we have lost to cancer, or who are in remission; to celebrate their lives

• To improve our own mental and physical health by getting outside and walking, appreciating our countryside and no longer putting off those bucket list items

• To bring together people who have been affected by cancer, directly or indirectly, to form a community with a common goal

How It Will Work

Put simply, I am going to walk. I will plan hikes around my shifts, and publish the dates on the calendar and on the project's social media accounts. Anyone is welcome to attend, whether that is the whole walk, or one day of a multi-day hike, or to meet at the accommodation and share a meal. The only stipulation is that if you choose to attend, you either donate to my fundraising page, or you create one as part of this team and raise some sponsorship of your own.

However, this project is not a registered charity or a company in its own right. This project is a labour of love (and if I'm being honest, some essay procrastination). There is no financial or legal responsibility taken by the project, nor are there any definitive rules. That means there is no comeback if you choose not to donate or fundraise - it wouldn't be in the spirit of the project, but that is up to you.

Equally, you will be responsible for organising your travel, accommodation, food and equipment. You should be fit and ready for any challenge you choose to attend, and be wearing and carrying the correct kit for the hike. I am not qualified to guide or manage groups, but my navigation is passable, so I'll forgive you for not bringing a sense of direction.

That's it.

Pretty simple really, isn't it?

If you want to complete a long-distance path, or a challenge, and I haven't planned it, get in touch and request it. If you want to come along - do so.

Donate or fundraise as much or as little as you choose, and walk in honour of someone who touched your life in one way or another. And, of course, walk for yourself.

Check out our social media pages for updates, and I hope to see you walking soon.