Sometimes in life you meet the most wonderful people through the most unlikely circumstances. After moving to Sheffield, through a story involving Japan, scouting, a giant quilt and his talented wife, Sylvia, I got to meet one of the kindest and gentlest men: Mike Grayson.

Mike was such a positive influence on my life and my family’s life, and I was proud to call him my adopted ‘dad’.

Sadly after a lifetime working in and around Sheffield’s hospitals and industrial buildings, Mike developed asbestosis. He was his happy kind self right until the end thanks to the amazing care he received from Sylvia and from the incredible team at St Luke’s Hospice. They not only looked after Mike but took great care of Sylvia, their dog Vance, myself and all the other visitors.

This August, I’m going to be hiking 100km over five days from Melrose in Northumberland out to Holy Island in Mike’s memory and for his beloved dog Vance who fell asleep not long after him. Mike had a deep faith, a love of the outdoors and a special connection with that holy place, so it feels like a fitting journey.

Meanwhile back in Sheffield the amazing staff at St Luke’s continue with their incredible work giving people the best endings to their stories and their families a sense of peace and care in really tough times. They rely largely on donations to do that work so it would be wonderful if you could consider supporting them through this sponsorship page so they can help more wonderful people like Mike.

Thanks very much <3