This October, four directors from PHS and 0800 Repair are taking on a 56-mile, two-day walking challenge to raise vital funds for Marie Curie – a charity that is very close to our hearts.

Brothers Phil and Michael Pallister, alongside Jason Oakes and Liam Hall, will take on the Weardale Way Challenge, walking from Killhope in County Durham to Durham Cathedral.

For Phil, Michael and Jason, this is much more than a charity challenge.

We are walking in loving memory of our fathers, Chris and Brian, who both sadly lost their lives to cancer.

Phil and Michael lost their dad Chris to lung cancer in October 2024, while Jason's dad Brian sadly passed away last year after being diagnosed with skin cancer in 2024.

Cancer has affected our families personally, and it has also touched the wider PHS and 0800 Repair team, with other directors having experienced the loss of their own fathers to cancer in recent years.

That's why we've decided to turn our personal experience into something positive – taking on a serious physical challenge while raising money for an incredible charity.

We'll set off from Killhope on Thursday 29 October and tackle the 56-mile route over two days, with colleagues joining us for the final stretch into Durham City before we cross the finish line at Durham Cathedral.

We know 56 miles in two days won't be easy – but it's a challenge we're determined to complete.

Marie Curie provides vital support to people living with terminal illnesses and their loved ones, including nursing and hospice care, practical and emotional support, and a free support line.

If you can spare anything at all, please consider donating. Every contribution will help support Marie Curie's work and will mean a huge amount to all of us taking part.

Thank you for your support – and we'll see you at the finish line! ❤️

Phil, Michael, Jason & Liam

Marie Curie is here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and those close to them. Whatever the illness, wherever you are, we’re with you to the end. We bring 75 years of experience and leading research to the care we give you at home, in our hospices and over the phone. And we push for a better end of life for all by campaigning and sharing research to change the system.

Marie Curie is a charity working across the UK and we need your support to do our vital work.