The Hikers
Some of the people who have taken on hiking challenges to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK, In Their Honour. Where will you go, and who will you hike for?
I find time outside very therapeutic; going for a long walk helps me to relax, reflect and create. I love the landscapes we are treated to in this beautiful country, and set myself the challenge of walking coast to coast... and then this crazy idea was born.
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It is too easy to add things to your "One day, I'd like to..." list. But when is one day? When is the right time?
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I don't think there is one. It's always going to be easier to not do something that will challenge you... so we have to make time, while we can.
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Abi Walker
This project is very selfish, in many ways, because it is the vehicle by which I can justify the time, and the expense, of doing many of these bucket list walks.
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Too many of my friends and family have been affected by cancer, and I know I am not in the minority. I hope this project will bring people together. I intend to walk with a notebook, and chronicle the whole journey. I would love you to join me!
I will be joining Abi for the Coast to Coast and the Six Peaks hikes (for 2024 - hopefully more after that!) to support and raise money for Cancer Research UK. I too have family and friends whose lives have been affected by cancer, and I look forward to taking part in these challenges knowing that every step of the way will raise money and make a difference.
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I enjoy walking and spending time in the countryside but I've never attempted anything like this before. Initially, although I wanted to, I found myself overwhelmed by all that would be involved and thought, 'perhaps another time.' It was Abi's
Nathan Eades
words on the home page of this website that encouraged me to make every effort to take part:
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"We are walking because we have the opportunity to - and we have seen so many people from whom that opportunity is taken. Their stories are proof that we need to do what we want to do now. Don't wait for the right time, or put a single thing off."
My name is Neil Atkinson.
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I am a survivor of stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma: a blood-born cancer. I have shared my story here.
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I am 11+ years post-treatment. They call it remission; I call it a cure. I do not want to contemplate a return of the the Big C, I now know C stands for Cancer. Oh to be naïve again.
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I am supporting Abi Walker in her efforts to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
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Neil Atkinson
I will be walking with her along Hadrian’s Wall 8 to 11 April 2024. Please donate generously.
Heather here! I was invited to join this amazing project by Abi and I am so excited and privileged to be a part of it. Like Abi, I have always found peace in the outdoors and love to explore all the parts of our beautiful country, often with my dog and camera in tow.
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Like others, I have seen too many friends and family affected by cancer, more than I can count on one hand. I feel this is not only an opportunity to raise awareness and fundraise, but it is also a great opportunity to tick off those bucket list items, improve my mental and physical fitness and spend time doing things I love, because life is too short.
Heather Beaumont
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I will be joining Abi for Hadrian’s Wall, Yr Wyddfa, and Scafell (Probably a whole lot more too if I have my way). Sometimes my campervan and dog may join in too and I’m sure my camera will be with me on this journey, helping gather those beautiful places.
Hello! Ever since Abi mentioned the project to me, I instantly wanted to get involved and follow the journey (both in person and online for the events I can't make).
I love to travel as well as go on 'outdoor adventures' and explore new places. Last year in 2023 I completed the Coast to Coast route and raised money for Breast Cancer Research. Abi and her family came to show their support at the end which meant so much.
​Cancer, unfortunately, is something that nobody can hide from whether that be being personally affected or knowing someone else who has been.
Holly Parkinson
I feel life is too short and in the end we will only regret the things we didn't do, so why not make the most of life now and do something for a great cause at the same time? I will be joining Abi for a few of these hikes, whilst hoping to raise awareness as well as funds for a charity that is also close to my heart.
I have walked the final (unplanned!) day of Hadrian's Wall with Abi, and been support crew for the entirety of Coast to Coast, as well as walking a day of it with Abi and Nathan.
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My family has a significant history of bowel cancer, and I also have friends both remembered fondly and currently fighting various forms of cancer.
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I will be walking the Six Peaks with Nathan in Abi's place, and am looking forward to the challenge. It will make a change to walk with my shoulder joints intact, rather than being firmly tugged by Belle (pictured here)!
Dave Walker
My previous challenges, since leaving the RAF, have been cycling-based, so this will be a fresh challenge.