Four mates have marked ten years since their friend died of liver cancer by walking the entire distance from Manchester to Barrow and raising over £10,000 for charity.
The group walked 111 miles from the Christie Cancer Hospital to the Cumbrian town in just three days in memory of Barrovian Luke Willacy.
The four friends – Josh Bland, Jonny Sloan, Chris Turner and Ben Smith – wanted to mark a decade since Luke’s death by raising vital funds for The Christie because of the “excellent” support he received at the hospital.
The men battled through the elements, including “horrendous” pouring rain, and excruciating pain to reach Barrow Golf Club on Saturday, August 29, after setting off two days earlier.
Ben said: “This was about much more than just finishing the walk.
“These challenges give us an opportunity to keep making memories together, raise money for an amazing cause and also remember and celebrate the friends we’ve sadly lost.
“There were definitely a few sore legs and tired bodies by the end of it but reaching £10,000 made the celebrations even sweeter. It was a fantastic way to finish what had been a very tough but really memorable few days.”
Luke died on October 26, 2016, at the age of 25 after being diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer, fibrolamellar, that only affects one in five million people.
The group have already spent a decade doing a regular 40-mile walk from Keswick to Barrow that has raised over £90,000 for The Christie and other cancer charities.
This mammoth challenge took it one step further and was the result of 12 months of planning and preparation.
Ben said: “Once the four of us get a challenge in our heads, we’re pretty determined to see it through together. Although I’m not sure whose idea 111 miles was, and I’m not sure I’ll be thanking them anytime soon.”
The “torrential” rain on the first day set the standard for the friends as they completed three ultra-marathons in three days.
Chris said: “We just got up each day and got on with it because there was no alternative. When you're going through hell, keep going.”
Jonny said: “By day three, my right ankle had started to look like the elephant man’s leg.
“Seeing the welcome to Cumbria sign was a good lift. But then I realised there was still another 30 miles to go.”
Friends and family joined for different sections of the walks along the way but it was the final celebrations as they reached the golf club that made it all worth it.
Chris said: “The reception we got at the finish was incredible and is a testament to the continued love and support shown to our mate Luke, which made any aches and pains we had pale into insignificance.”
Josh said it was “an incredible experience but definitely one I don’t wish to repeat.”
He added: “It was so lovely to see all of Luke’s friends and family at the finish line, and we’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of so many people.”
Ben said: “Crossing the finish line together was a brilliant feeling. Seeing so many people come out to welcome us into Ulverston and then celebrate with us at Barrow Golf Club made it even more special.
“When you’re struggling through the miles, you don’t really appreciate how many people are behind you, so seeing everyone at the end was quite overwhelming.”
The group were treated to an evening of entertainment, food and drink as they celebrated in style and paid tribute to their friend.
Jonny added: “The celebrations were class. Especially Harry Wearings stand up routine during the raffle.
“That said, I couldn't enjoy them for too long as I just needed to lie down in a dark room.”
The funds raised by the men will go towards work at the Christie, which is the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe and was the first UK centre to be accredited as a comprehensive centre just for cancer treatment.
If you wish to add to the final total, the friends’ GoFundMe page can be found here.
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