Back in summer 2019 we got the devastating news that my dad had been diagnosed with Cancer. In true Kev Read style he took it like a champ and never for one second let it take away his fighter spirit. He faced operations, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and endless amounts of medication all with a smile on his face. During his battle The Christie hospital Manchester became a place that not only took exceptional care of my dad but supported all of the family along the way. The treatment he received was truly incredible and we will be forever grateful to the staff who worked tirelessly to give him the best quality of life. My dad who at first was given the prognosis of potentially 2 years, he made it to just over 5! Becoming a complete medical phenomenon who’s determination astounded everyone. His positivity and fearless spirit became something he passed on to others when he became a cancer buddie and supported other people going through their own diagnosis’s. Even when speaking to staff now they remember my dad. They remember his smile, his laugh and his infectious personality that lit up every room he was in, even when it was a room on the ward. Sadly my dad lost his battle on 5th January 2025. We couldn’t have done the journey without the Christie, not just because of the medical expertise they provided which gave us 5 precious years with dad but the family feel you got every time he was there. It’s not just a hospital, it’s a very special place that offers so much more than just cancer treatment!

So this leads me to what we are doing to raise money for such an incredible place.

DIRECTION CHANGE!!!

On the Saturday 5th September at 4AM myself, my brother Brad, family and friends will be walking just over 40 miles from Warrington Town Football Club to The Christie Hospital in Manchester and heading back to the finish line at Warrington Town Hall. We felt this was the best option to allow more people to come and join us for a few miles or join us for the full distance. Both these places meant so much to not only my Dad but us as a family. Christies being the half way point seems so special because that’s what it’s for, it’s what it’s all about. Raising money for such an incredible place that did so much to give us precious time with Dad. Without their tireless work, we would never have got the 5 years we did!

Without the dedicated fundraising efforts and generous contributions from fund raising events like this, more ground-breaking steps forward at The Christie wouldn't be possible. With your donations you are helping them carry out more research, give more people the very best treatment and care - and save even more lives than they already have!

A message from The Christie:

“We couldn’t do the life-changing and potentially life-saving work we do every day without your help, so on behalf of our inspiring patients and our remarkable staff, thank you”

Your donations are very much appreciate and we can’t thank you enough!