Welcome to My Second Challenge -
Pier to Pier Walk for Cancer Research UK
Having completed my challenge last year, I thought it only appropriate to do another this year. A great cause, clear focus and a kick up the bum for me to go out and do something worthwhile.
My 2026 challenge - to complete the Pier to Pier walk for Cancer Research UK - Completed
I had been looking forward to this challenge. I had previously completed many parts of the walk, but never as a full single expedition.
March 29th 2026, was the day that I would be putting it all together, along with my Daughter Lisa and Granddaughter Aimee (The Cleadon Crew). There were many others also taking part, around 100 people in total, although I am not sure of the final number.
Meeting up at the Bungalow Cafe, a local landmark, for registration and the pre-walk obligatory photo. The sun was shining and the weather was fairly warm, I was already thinking that some of the layers may need to come off once we get going.
The first part of the walk was along the road atop the beach, the mood was high, passing cars honking in support, and recognising us by our pink "March for Cancer" beanies. A few of the walkers had brought along their canine companions for the walk, and why not?
Still on the pathway, now passing Seaburn beach, the wind was assisting our travel by gently pushing on our backs as if to urge us on. On reaching Latimers, the majority of the walkers remained on the path, heading toward Whitburn. The Cleadon Crew, however, took the slip onto the coastal path. This route would be longer, but the views would be more spectacular along the clifftops.
Conversations were varied, ranging from the intricate details of playing Pickleball to the fine art of making sourdough bread, habits of our canine friends and much, much more.
Coming around the headland, the Souter Lighthouse was a magnificent sight, the tall red and white structure commanding the seafront and the long trumpet of the foghorn majestic and powerful pointing out to sea.
Once we had cleared the lighthouse, it was as if someone had flicked a switch on the weather, as the coastal path joined the roadside path, the wind turned into faces and drove icy needles of rain and hail into our plumped up face. The change was so dramatic, boots to the ground, faces bowed into the weather and conversation dropping we all had to stick in a remember why we were doing this walk - Cancer Research UK.
The thoughts of finishing the walk and getting that cup of hot chocolate, a coffee and maybe even a cake or something else nice to put the sugars back was what drove us on.
Past the Marsden Grotto and on the long walk along the roadside path, mimicking the final stages of the Great North Run, gritting our teeth and marching on. Our feet now soaked from the rain, faces dripping with icy cold water and the dampness of the water soaking through the layers of clothing. Layers that we were now glad of and with no thoughts of reducing them at this point.
Around the corner of Gypsies Green, toward the final stage along the promenade path, past the fair and onto the final point of the Pier.
After all that, a short car ride home and a hot shower before tea and then bed, exhausted and aching, but what a sense of achievement - WE DID IT!
REMEBER IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO DONATE - select the link at the top of the page.
My 2026 challenge - to complete the Pier to Pier walk for Cancer Research UK
On 29th March 2026, I will join around 150 other willing volunteers to walk the 8 miles (approximately), from Roker Pier in Sunderland to South Shields Pier. I expect the walk to take around 3 and a half hours.
The route has some great scenery, which over the years I have walked all the different sections; however, I have never walked the full stretch in one go. There will be sandy beaches, lighthouses, grassy stretches and fantastic rocky formations along the way and, of course, great banter with the other walkers,
Cancer Research remains close to my heart, my wife Maureen continues as a survivor of cancer and every day amazes me with her bravery and positivity, she is a true warrior. Maureen lives with Neuro-Endocrine cancer, which is a little-reported cancer but has a massive impact on people's lives. Maureen has received expert, excellent care since her initial diagnosis. We must celebrate the NHS in all its glory around our area for the great job and amazing care that Maureen has received in the Northeast. As with any of these illnesses, there is more work to do, which is why I would like to raise money for this project. Please click the link above to donate.
On the day, I will be walking with a group of family members, my daughter Lisa, granddaughter Aimee and her boyfriend Jimmy. We are all looking forward to and hoping for some great weather. We are all fans of the walking experience and hope to make some new friends too. With so many people getting together for a common cause, I am sure it will be a good opportunity for a laugh too. We are also expecting there will be plenty of tea and cake at the end. I must give a massive shout out to the lady that organises this event, and many others, Ann Walsh, who has, for many years now been tirelessly raising money for good causes. Well done Ann.
My Story and Why I Chose this Challenge - 56 Miles in February for Prostate Cancer Research
I have been inspired by the challenges of Kevin Sinfield to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charities following his experiences with his dear friend Rob Burrows. Hearing of his efforts made me think about what I could do to help in a similar, but smaller magnitude, for a cause that I feel strongly about. I have listened to many friends, men and women, some whom have experienced it themselves and many who feel that more could be done to help lessen the impact of prostate cancer on men. Approximately 1 in 8 men will be affected by this disease and more than 12,000 men will die each year as a result of prostate cancer.
My approach is to start small and challenge myself in ways that stretch my resolve, widen the message and ultimately make a positive difference, however small. So, 56 miles over 28 days, 2 miles a day that shouldn't be too difficult for a start, but does challenge me to do it every one of those 28 days. To get my message out wide and far with the associated request for donations, Facebook and JustGiving. Writing of my intent here, and promising feedback, helps me to maintain the effort too, otherwise I would have nothing to write!
See my blogs for how things are going.
COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 2025