Charity Patron Mick celebrates raising £258,000 as he hits 20-year fundraising milestone!

68-year-old Mick who lives in Totley in Sheffield, has been fundraising for Weston Park Cancer Charity since 2004 and has since raised over a quarter of a million pounds to help the charity continue its vital work for the 1 in 2 people who are affected by cancer within South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Mick, who was given Charity Patron status in 2023 after his remarkable fundraising efforts, tells us about his personal connection with Weston Park, how his family and friends have inspired him, and about his recent prostate cancer diagnosis.

He also talks all about how he loves to make his charity challenges unique and different – including how he completed a 24-hour blindfolded walk across Sheffield where he completed an impressive 47 miles!

He said: “Cancer has affected not only me personally but also my dear friends and family and I always think that if I can help make a difference then I will.

“One thing I always try and do when thinking about my next charity challenge is that I need to make it bigger and better than the one before!

“I’ve done many challenges over the years but the ones that stick out to me include the 24-hour blindfolded walk. The following year was the ‘conga-thon’ which saw 26 people attached to someone else for 12 hours. 12 months later we did the three-legged boiler suit walk again for 12 hours. We’ve also done plenty of charity nights with different themes.”

“The blindfold walk was 24 hours I will never forget. It was astonishing and it took an enormous amount of organisation. So many people came to speak to me and tell me their stories of the support they’d been given and make donations.”

Mick talks about how he was inspired by his close friend after he was diagnosed with cancer of the neck which spread to his face and sadly lost his sight after a few months with the illness. His friend sadly passed away in 2009.

“When my friend was given his diagnosis, it really hit me. How someone’s life can change in a split second. It felt so unfair, and although I felt helpless, I knew I needed to do something. So, I organised the blindfolded walk, to help raise money and awareness for the charity. This is where the weird and wonderful challenges really spiralled from!”

Mick’s sister Marilyn was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer called ‘sub-cutaneous lupus like T-cell lymphoma’ in 2013. She thankfully received the all-clear. Mick talks about how his family are an ongoing inspiration to him.

“I’m a big family man. My family means everything to me. When my sister was diagnosed, it really hit us all. But seeing how she recovered and how she has become a huge inspiration to not only myself but to other cancer patients, is extraordinary.”

In 2016, Mick set up our annual ‘Posh Do’ event which is now in its eighth year. His sister made a surprise appearance at Posh Do One back in 2016.

He said: “Marilynspoke to our Posh Do One guests and was honest about her experience. I think it’s important for people to hear directly from those who have gone through cancer treatment, and I know people were truly touched by her words.”

The charity’s next Posh Do is taking place on Friday 8 November at Van Dyk Hotel in Clowne, Chesterfield. Find out more: www.westonpark.org.uk/events/the-posh-do-8

In 2023, Mick was given the news that he has prostate cancer and now receives treatment at the hospital he has been raising money for over the past 20 years!

“When I received my diagnosis, it was earth-shattering. But I knew the care and support that I would receive would be outstanding – and it has been.

“I also attend the charity’s prostate cancer support group which is held at the Support Centre on Northumberland Road. It has been a fantastic place to go to meet others and I have made it my aim to ensure we all build each other up and keep positive.

“Weston Park Cancer Charity is truly a spectacular organisation that is engrained into South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The work they do is life-changing, and we are very lucky to have them.

“I am honoured to have helped raise money for them over the last 20 years, and I am privileged to be a part of making a difference to the people who need it the most.”

Cat Rhone, Deputy CEO at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “Wow, 20 years of fundraising! It is people like Mick that make me so proud to work for an organisation that truly makes a difference to the people of South Yorkshire.

“Mick’s incredible contribution to the charity has inspired many other fundraisers and volunteers and I speak for the whole team here at the charity, that we are truly thankful for his dedication.

“Thank you, Mick. We are so lucky to have you as part of the family here at Weston Park Cancer Charity.”

Inspired by Mick’s story? Head over to our events calendar to find out how you can fundraise for Weston Park Cancer Charity in 2024!