Here we go again. Another fundraiser for the same amazing cause. This all started almost 2 years ago I lost my Dad to the horrible disease that is Cancer. During his illness he was supported by Mark Solan of the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust. That help was invaluable to my Dad. One of his dying wishes for us as a family (and friends) was to support the charity in the future. Initially we had a collection in lieu of funeral flowers. That raised over £3000 to be shared between Marie Curie and Mark's charity. Last year we had a fundraising night in Dad's beloved Sacriston Colliery Cricket Club. We raised around £8500 which went directly to the charity.

This year I felt like I had to do "a bit more" to be worthy of peoples donations in a world full of so many good causes. So.… I had the idea of walking Coast to Coast from Whitehaven to Roker. I tentatively asked if anybody would like to keep me company. There started our story!

Mel Betts immediately signed himself up. Mel was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer not too many years ago. I'm delighted to say he showed the same grit and determination he always has and he beat Cancer. Since then he's done various fundraisers including a white collar boxing event. He's probably as stubborn and determined as anybody I've ever met. He's exactly what I want by my side when the going gets tough over 6 days of hiking.

Soon after came Gary Surtees. Quiet, unassuming with a great sense of humour. Gary's family has also been hit hard by Cancer. Gary's Dad had Lung Cancer resulting in a lung being removed. Thankfully he has made a good recovery. Also his Mother-in-Law has courageously battled the disease in recent times. I'm pleased to say her recovery is going well and long way it continue. I have no doubt Gary will be the voice of reason during the hike. He's quite possibly the rudder of our ship!

Finally we needed somebody to provide support and assistance over the duration of the week. Up step the main man, Andrew Murphy. Out of us all, Andrew has had the cruellest of journeys. He sadly lost his beautiful wife to Cancer a few years ago. Testament to the man he is, he continues to honour Eleanor both as a father to their amazing son Zac, but also in the way he keeps her memory alive. He (along with friends) walked from Keswick to home last year to raise funds for Eleanor's chosen charities. He is one of life's great characters and I know he'll be a perfect tonic when we are feeling sorry for ourselves.

So there you go, you have met the lads and you know their motivation and their history. Now for the challenge:

We are walking from Whitehaven on the West coast to Roker on the East Coast. We start on Monday 25th March (hopefully) ending in Roker on 30th March. As the crow flies I believe its around 115 miles although I'm reliably informed we will be walking further due to the route we take.

**There is an opportunity for people to walk the last leg from Sacriston to Roker on Saturday 30th March. We'd love the support and we'd love you to be part of the event - putting miles in for a great cause!!!! More information will follow very soon!**

When we get home from Roker the intention is for people to kick back and have a few beers and enjoy our collective achievement - the hikers, the people who have walked with us to Roker, the supporters and anyone in the area!!!

Please note there will be a formal fundraising night on 11th May at Sacriston Colliery Cricket Club. The plan is for the night to very much be a celebration of the event. It will be a ticket only event with music, raffles and an auction provided. We will of course raise a glass to loved ones no longer with us but also to the charity and the great work they continue to do in the LOCAL community. More details to follow very soon.

If you're on Facebook please check out our page for further updates - search for @C2CHike2019

Finally if you have any queries or want to get involved please email angebetts@gmail.com

Thank you for taking time to read my own version of War and Peace and also for any donations you can kindly give. All 4 of us visited the charity recently and saw the work that Mark and his team do. Your donation will genuinely make a huge difference to the families that its going to.

Thanks!

EDIT - Unfortunately Mel is now unable to walk the whole week due to unforeseen work commitments. A good friend, Neil Dawson has kindly stepped in to replace Mel. I couldn't ask for a better person to help us out. Like all of us, Neil's family has been troubled by that horrible disease and is desperately keen to help us and the Trust out. Thanks mate, what a legend!