Weston Park supporters ‘Walk As One’ in second annual fundraising event

Last Sunday, over 500 incredible Weston Park Cancer Charity supporters took part in the second annual ‘Walk As One’ event. The rainy weather didn’t manage to dampen participants’ spirits as they walked 2, 4 or 10 miles, with routes starting in Endcliffe Park, to raise vital funds for the one in two of us who will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.

Walkers on the 2-mile and 4-mile route enjoyed a waterside ramble along the beautiful Porter Valley, while those on the 10-mile hike trekked through the woodlands at Ringinglow and out into the moors of the Peak District.

Both walks ended back in Endcliffe Park, where a festival-like atmosphere was enhanced by the event’s MC Simon Morykin, live music from The Monotones and a performance from Hype Dance Academy. At the event, walkers could also spend time in a quiet area of reflection where they remembered and paid tribute to loved ones lost to cancer.

Money raised through this year’s Walk As One event will help Weston Park Cancer Charity to carry out crucial research, enhance treatment, and fund life-changing support services.

Chairman of Weston Park Cancer Charity, Niall Baker, started the 10-mile walk, with previous Weston Park patient, Kevin Elliot, sounding the klaxon at the 4-mile start line.

Kevin was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in December 2021 but thanks to an immunotherapy treatment was given the all clear less than a year later. Kevin said: “It was an absolute honour and a surprise today to be asked to start the walk for Weston Park. Such a privilege to lead so many people, each one remembering a loved one and everyone supporting the truly amazing work carried out by the Weston Park Charity team.”

Weston Park Cancer Charity’s CEO, Emma Clarke, said: “This weekend’s Walk As One event was the embodiment of our charity motto – ‘together at every step’. Many of the supporters who took part did so to remember a loved one or to honour their own experience with cancer - and it was very moving to read all the tribute cards.”

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part and raised much-needed funds for our services. I would also like to thank the fantastic sponsors who made the event possible, including Pinders, Henry Boot and Gripple.”

So far, more than £45,000 has been raised for Weston Park Cancer Charity through this year’s Walk As One event. If you would like to contribute by sponsoring an individual or a team, please head to walkasone-2024.raiselysite.com.

Kevin, with his family, crossing the finish line