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Our Hadrian’s Wall Challenge for The Christie Cancer Research”

Matthew Hodgkinson is raising money for THE CHRISTIE CHARITY

Hadrians Wall in 3 days · 31 March 2026

The Christie charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. Your support can help us to fund life-changing and potentially life-saving projects that will benefit cancer patients both now and in the future.

Story

Our Hadrian’s Wall Challenge for The Christie Cancer Research

From 31st March to 2nd April, we’re taking on something huge, something that will push us physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We’re walking the entire 84‑mile Hadrian’s Wall Path in just three days to raise money and awareness for The Christie Cancer Research.

And the most incredible part?

Seth is only 9 years old.

Cancer touches every family in some way. Some quietly. Some brutally. Some far too soon.

The Christie is at the forefront of fighting back, pioneering treatments, driving world‑leading research, and giving patients and families hope when they need it most.

For us, this challenge is personal.

It’s a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and do something meaningful, something that honours the people we’ve lost, supports those still fighting, and helps fund the breakthroughs that will save lives in the future.

Walking Hadrian’s Wall is tough at the best of times.

Doing it in three days from the 31st March to the 2nd April means long hours on our feet, early starts, late finishes, and pushing through fatigue when everything aches.

For a 9‑year‑old, it’s a monumental test of resilience, determination, and heart.

But Seth wanted to do this.

He wanted to help.

He wanted to make a difference.

Every mile we walk is for someone.

Every step is a reminder of why this matters.

And every donation helps The Christie continue the life‑saving work that gives families hope.

If you’re able to support us, thank you; it genuinely means the world.

If you can’t donate, sharing our page or cheering us on helps more than you know.

Together, we can turn every mile into something that matters.

The Scale of the Challenge:

Walking Hadrian’s Wall is no small feat. Most people take 6–7 days to complete the 84‑mile national trail. We’re attempting it in just three. That means covering the equivalent of a marathon every day, on tough terrain, in unpredictable weather, with long hours on our feet and very little room for error.

Here’s what our journey really looks like:

📍 Day 1: Bowness‑on‑Solway → Gilsland

Distance: ~28 miles

Time on foot: 10–12 hours

Our challenge begins on the exposed Solway coast, where the wind can cut straight through you. The first miles are long, flat, and open — mentally draining in their own way — before the route climbs gradually past Carlisle and into rolling countryside. It’s the longest day, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.

For a 9‑year‑old:

This is a huge test of patience and resilience. Long, flat miles can be harder than hills, and Seth will need to dig deep before the real climbing even begins.

📍 Day 2: Gilsland → Heddon‑on‑the‑Wall

Distance: ~28 miles

Time on foot: 11–13 hours

This is the toughest day by far. The iconic central section of Hadrian’s Wall is spectacular — but brutal. The path rises and falls relentlessly along the crags, with steep climbs, rocky descents, and uneven ground that demands constant focus. This is where most 6‑day walkers struggle, and we’ll be tackling it on tired legs.

For a 9‑year‑old:

This is the heart of the challenge. Every climb is a victory. Every descent takes concentration. This is where Seth’s determination, courage, and spirit will shine.

📍 Day 3: Heddon‑on‑the‑Wall → Wallsend

Distance: ~28 miles

Time on foot: 10–12 hours

The final push takes us through rolling countryside and into the urban stretch towards Newcastle. Hard pavements replace grassy paths, and the accumulated fatigue of 56 miles in two days becomes very real. This is where grit matters more than anything.

For a 9‑year‑old:

Finishing this final day will take heart, stubbornness, and belief. After two days of huge mileage, this is where Seth will show what he’s truly made of.

Donation summary

Total
£930.00
+ £226.25 Gift Aid
Online
£930.00
Offline
£0.00

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