A FITNESS enthusiast battling cancer has conquered an epic marathon.
Tony Collier, who is being treated for prostate cancer, teamed up with friends from Fit4life Fitclub in Knutsford and Altrincham and completed the Lake District MacMillan Mighty Hike round Ullswater.
The trekkers raised £7,000 for Macmillan Cancer support.
The 25-mile hike with 3,200 feet of elevation was completed by the team of 11, who were overjoyed with the amount that they have raised.
Fit4Life organiser and personal trainer Ian Seddon said “The training beforehand became days out with friends and then on the day it was one of the best experiences for all sorts of reasons. I love these guys. What an amazing achievement."
Tony Collier said “I’m incredibly grateful for Ian and my friends from Fitclub for taking part and raising so much for Macmillan.
“I’ve been supported, since my diagnosis, by Macmillan funded clinical nurse specialists and they do an amazing job for which I’m grateful.
Tony Collier described it as 'an amazing, epic day'
"The money that we and the other Mighty Hikers have raised is so vital to Macmillan and I’m glad we have been able to help whilst sharing an amazing, epic day."
Tony and his friends were among 2,000 people from across the UK taking part in the Lake District Macmillan Mighty Hike.
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Covid-19 forced the cancellation of Mighty Hikes in 2020, losing the charity fundraising income at a time when people living with cancer needed Macmillan’s support more than ever.
More than a year of planning has gone into creating the 2021 Mighty Hikes series to ensure that participants have a choice of events and can be socially-distanced along the course and at refreshment stops and catering areas.
Tony Collier and friends from Fit4life Fitclub in Knutsford and Altrincham complete the Lake District MacMillan Mighty Hike round Ullswater
Macmillan Mighty Hikes senior programme manager Helen Hancock said: “Mighty Hikes have always been popular because of the outstanding scenic mountain and coastal locations and first-class on the day catering and organisation.
"We’re delighted to say that many participants chose to defer their cancelled 2020 place to this year and we’ve had huge demand from people new to the event for this summer’s series with very few places still available.
“Mighty Hike season will be a time of renewed optimism with people seizing every opportunity to get out there and live their life and make a difference. This is what Macmillan Mighty Hikes are all about.
“We are determined to make this a success for the thousands of Mighty Hikers who were forced to cancel or defer their 2020 places – and for everyone who is joining us for their first Mighty Hike.”
Participants pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £250. All receive a Macmillan walking top, regular refuelling stops with snacks and drinks, fully catered lunch, a clearly marked route, medical assistance, hot food at the end, a glass of bubbly and a well-deserved medal.
For more information visit macmillan.org.uk. The Macmillan Support Line is open seven days a week 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 0000.
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