From Sheffield to Oakwell Stadium – Charity supporter Carl leads walkers in 14-mile challenge!

Long-term Weston Park Cancer Charity fundraiser and Barnsley fan Carl Mellor is gearing up to take part in an impressive 14-mile-long walk from our Cancer Support Centre on Northumberland Road to Oakwell Stadium this Saturday.

Carl, who has raised almost £20,000 for the charity since 2018, will be joined by nine other walkers on the day including three members of our Clinical Trials Centre team.

The charity walk will be taking place ahead of our special ‘Together at Every Step’ matchday takeover game at Oakwell Stadium where Barnsley FC will be playing Derby County. Carl and the other walkers will be met by Weston Park Cancer Charity volunteers and supporters to celebrate their amazing achievements.

Carl has a very special reason behind his fundraising efforts and tells us about how he has committed himself to giving back to the charity after his stepdad Steven Murphy was diagnosed with cancer of the tonsils and neck back in 2018.

He said: “Weston Park Cancer Charity is a truly amazing organisation that supports the people who need it the most. My stepdad Steven was treated by Weston Park back in 2018 after he received his sudden and very unexpected cancer diagnosis.

“Both Steven and I are hugely involved in raising money and awareness for the charity as we understand the importance of the vital work they do for the one in two people from across our region who are affected by cancer.

“I am delighted to be taking on yet another challenge on Saturday ahead of the charity’s ‘Together at Every Step’ matchday takeover game. Since Steven’s diagnosis, I have raised more than £17,000 from personal challenges, events, and auctioning of signed memorabilia.

“This walk will add to the further £5,000 raised from group events which have included various walks between football grounds incorporating Barnsley FC fixtures.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has donated so far, and I look forward to reaching Oakwell on Saturday afternoon!”

Laura, Becky, and Georgia from Weston Park Hospital’s Cancer Clinical Trials Centre are joining Carl on Saturday and have already managed to raise an amazing £420.

Laura said: “When we heard that Carl was taking on the 14-mile walk in aid of the charity, we knew we had to get involved and help raise money.

“It’s thanks to fundraisers like Carl that we can continue developing and researching groundbreaking new ways to help fight cancer.

“We are lucky enough to see the amazing work that the charity does every day - the support they provide to patients is invaluable.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated, and we look forward to the challenge!”

Saturday’s walk is set to raise £500 for the charity with each walker asked to make a £10 donation to take part. If you would like to sponsor Carl and the team you can do so, here.

Carl and his team of walkers will be walking from our Cancer Support Centre on Northumberland Road in Sheffield to Oakwell Stadium along the A61 route on Saturday 24 February – make sure to show your support if you see them!