David Bartholomew, who is the current Chairman of the Pickering Cancer Drop In Centre in Tunbridge Wells, says he will walk the span of Hadrian’s Wall as the cancer charity is today needed ‘more than ever’.
To raise money for Pickering, as well as awareness of the difficulties cancer patients have to endure, David will be walking alongside his daughter, Kirsty Davies.
Both are celebrating ‘big birthdays’ this year, and have decided to walk from coast to coast along the iconic monument that lies between England and Scotland.
Hadrian’s Wall was built in AD 122 to defend Roman Britain from the ‘barbarians’ of the North West.
With the support of local sponsors, David, Kirsty and a group of 11 other walkers and four support volunteers will be departing from Tunbridge Wells on September 9 and will head to Carlisle on the west coast.
The aim is to walk the wall in just four days.
On day one the team will cover 24 miles, day two 18 miles, and days three and four 21 miles, ending at Wallsend, just outside Newcastle Upon Tyne on the east coast.
David said: “Working alongside the volunteers over recent years, I have been hugely humbled by the dedication and selflessness of the people who work to ease the journey that far too many, both young and old, suffer on their journey through cancer.
“Through the support we have received from other local businesses and the Council, we have been able to continue supporting those in need.
“The fact that sessions have been so well attended, despite the fear of Covid, shows that there is a very real need for the Centre to exist.
“My aim is to continue to build on the work carried out by the previous Chairman to ensure that the financial future of the charity is secure, so that those that need it can continue to benefit from the services on offer.”
Pickering, which is run entirely by volunteers, has an open house in Tunbridge Wells where everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer is welcome.
Each year Pickering helps, free of charge, some 3,000 people.
To donate to David and Kirsty’s 30/60 Hadrian’s Challenge, please visit: Hadrians 3060 Challenge at uk.virginmoneygiving.com
To find out moe about the Pickering Cancer Drop In Centre, visit: pickeringcancercentre.org.uk
Photo: Sarah Bartholomew
