On 4th May 2026, four great friends — Simon Taylor, Rob Bray, Ben Anderson and Rich Wakefield — will set off from the West coast of England to walk coast-to-coast along Hadrian’s Wall, finishing in Newcastle on 9th May.

We’re doing this in memory of our friend, Marc Barthorpe.

In November 2024, we lost Marc suddenly to a cardiac arrest at just 45 years old. His passing was a shock beyond words and has left a huge void in the lives of everyone who knew him — especially his lovely wife, Anna, and his beloved dog, Buddy.

Marc was quite simply the nicest, most caring person we’ve ever known. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was the first to offer help — whether to a close friend or a complete stranger. If something needed fixing, lifting, building, or sorting, Marc would quietly step forward without hesitation.

Marc ran his own successful kitchen and bathroom installation business and was so good at what he did, he never needed to advertise. For years, he had more than enough work purely through word of mouth — a testament not only to his craftsmanship, but to the trust and respect people had for him. He took huge pride in his work, and it showed.

Outside of work, Marc loved being outdoors. He found real joy in tending his allotment, improving his home, and spending hours on carpentry projects. He even built his own kit car — a perfect example of his patience, skill, and determination. He loved creating things with his hands and making things better than he found them.

In 2022, Marc and Anna walked two sections of Hadrian’s Wall together. So taking on this challenge feels especially meaningful. It’s something he would have loved — the open landscape, the miles underfoot, the quiet moments with friends. We like to think he’d be setting the pace and keeping spirits high.

Every mile we walk will be for him.

Why We’re Fundraising

We are raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young, a charity dedicated to preventing young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening, and research.

Marc died from a cardiac arrest. He was fit, active, hardworking, and full of life. His loss is a heartbreaking reminder that cardiac conditions can strike without warning.

If raising money in Marc’s memory can help fund screenings, raise awareness, and potentially save even one family from experiencing this kind of loss, then every blister, every sore muscle, and every mile will be worth it.

Our Goal

We’re aiming to raise £1000.

If you’re able to donate — whatever the amount — we would be incredibly grateful. With your donation, CRY can reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death by working with cardiologists and family doctors to establish good practice and appropriate screening facilities to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young, helping turn something so painful into something positive. If you’re unable to give, sharing this page would mean just as much.

This walk is about friendship, remembrance, and honouring a man who gave so much to others.

We’ll be thinking of Marc with every step from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.

Thank you for your support ❤️

Simon, Rob, Ben and Rich